THU0541 The effect of physical therapy on clinical and quality of life in chronic neck pain patients:a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundIn the treatment of chronic neck pain (CNP), education, medical treatment, exercise and physical therapy (PT) modalities are in place. However, there are not enough studies on the efficacy of PT modalities in CNPObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of the addiction of PT modalities to exercise and medical treatment in relieving pain and improving the funcitonal status of patient with CNPMethods80 patients with CNP were included in a randomised, controlled trial. Patients were assigned in two groups randomly. Treatment group (TG) recieved convantional PT (hot pack (HP), ultrasound (US), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)) treatment in addition.PT was applied ten sessions.HP treatment was applied in 20 min.US treatment was applied with 1,5watt/cm² dose and continuous type in 10 min.TENS treatment was applied with conventional type in 30 min. All patients were informed about correct posture and daily life activities. Both groups received home-based exercises program and analgesic medical treatment if it is necessary. Patients were evaluated before and after therapy and 3th month later by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical range of motion (ROM), Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and short form-36 (SF-36)ResultsIn both groups there is significant improvement in VAS, cervical ROM, SF 36 and BDS after treatment (p<0.01). In TG significant improvement was seen on 3th month follow up. But the significant improvement was not seen on 3th month in control group (CG).There is no significant difference between groups for VAS, SF-36 parameters and BDS before and after treatment (p>0.05). There was a significant improvement in VAS, SF-36 parameters and BDS in the TG compared with the CG at the end of therapy and 3 months post-treatment (p < 0.01)ConclusionsMedical treatment and exercise with HP, US and TENS therapy was effective on both pain and disability during the treatment. This improvement keep on 3th month follow up. Also same improvement was seen on mood and life qualty. Exercise has better effects on after treatment, but these goods effects decrease on 3th month follow up. So we think physical medicine modalities should be used in CNP with disabilityReferences[1] Binder A.The diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific neck pain and whiplash.Eura Medicophys2007;43:79–89.[2] Leaver AM, Refshauge KM, Maher CG, et al. Conservative interventions provide short-term relief for non-specific neck pain. J Physiother2010;56:73–84.[3] Wang WTJ, Olson SL, Campbell AH, et al.Effectiveness of Physical Therapy for Patients with Neck Pain. A Individualized Approach Using a Clinical Decision-Making Algorithm. Am J Phys Med Rehabil2003;82:203–218.Disclosure of InterestNone declared