Effectiveness of Cervical Manual Mobilization Techniques versus Stretching Exercises for Pain Relief in the Management of Neck Pain: A Randomized Control Trail

Abstract

Background: Although a huge literature is available regarding the efficacy of various physiotherapy techniques for neck pain. This study was to compare effectiveness of stretching exercises versus manual mobilization techniques in management of neck pain along withhome exercises program.Methodology: A randomized controlled trial parallel group design study was conducted on the patients suffering from neck pain. Participants with the history of NP and aged between 19 to 60 years, Neck pain without radiculopathy, no history of trauma was included in the study. Two outcomes measures were used. NPRS and neck pain disability questionnaire. Two groups were equally divided had twentyfive patients each. Group A received treatment cervical stretching with strengthening exercises as hometreatment program and group B received manual mobilization with strengthening exercises as hometreatment program. Six sessions were given on alternate basis and assessed pre-and post-treatment information of all patients. Result:The results of the study is that NPRS outcomes in two treatment groups, in stretching exercises before treatment 68% samples found with moderate pain, whereas in manual mobilization techniques 52% samples found with severe pain, after treatment, in stretching exercises 76% samples converted to mild pain, and in manual mobilization techniques 88% samples converted to mild pain, however p-value of Mann Whitney U-test suggested that, both treatment performing similar on average in all patients. Conclusion:The conclusion of the study is that both the treatment therapies are effective in Np and patient condition is improving as such there were not any significant differences in these treatment groups. Patient's quality of life is improving with the both therapies.