Influence of Sagittal Cervical and Thoracic Range of Motion on Neck Pain Severity in Young White-Collar Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Neck pain (NP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, especially among individuals with sedentary occupations. The interplay between cervical and thoracic spine mobility is hypothesized to contribute significantly to NP severity, yet this relationship requires further exploration. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 179 young white-collar workers with NP lasting for at least six weeks. Participants were stratified into mild (n = 78) and moderate (n = 101) pain groups based on their scores on the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Cervical and thoracic range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal plane was measured using inclinometers. NP severity was further assessed using the NPQ and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between cervical and thoracic ROM and NP severity. Results: Thoracic ROM was higher in the mild pain group (median: 47.35, IQR: 10.13) than in the moderate pain group (median: 42.10, IQR: 13.60; p < 0.001). The NDI had a negative correlation with thoracic ROM (r = −0.65; p < 0.05) and a positive correlation with cervical ROM (r = 0.84; p < 0.01). Additionally, thoracic ROM mediated the effect of cervical ROM on NP, particularly influencing NDI scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study found a significant association between reduced thoracic ROM and increased NP severity, highlighting the role of thoracic spine mobility in NP among young white-collar workers. Targeted interventions for thoracic dysfunction may reduce compensatory cervical strain and improve NP management, suggesting that thoracic spine assessments should be integrated into routine clinical evaluations.