Comparison of the efficacy of Maitland Thoracic Mobilization and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Training Versus Only Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Training in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain

• Published in: Indian journal of physiotherapy and occupational therapy Vol. 8; no. 3; pp. 77 - 82
• Main Authors: Deepa, Abichandani, Dabholkar, Twinkle Y, Yardi, Sujata
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Dr. R.K. Sharma 01.07.2014; Institute of Medico-Legal Publications
• Subjects: Biofeedback; Biomechanics; Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Training; Maitland Thoracic Mobilisation; Manipulative therapy; Mechanical Neck Pain; Patients; Posture; Rheumatic diseases
• ISSN: 0973-5666; 0973-5674; 0973-5674; 0973-5666
• DOI: 10.5958/0973-5674.2014.00360.8

Studies also suggested that reduced thoracic mobility resulting from defective biomechanical links in the cervicothoracic junctions might cause neck dysfunctions.8 It was reported that manual therapy using joint mobilisation in this region was quite effective at enhancing functional motions and reducing pain.9 From the preceding studies, it can be seen that improvements in cervical stability and thoracic mobility achieved through muscle strengthening exercises or manual therapy, do reduce neck pain and improve functional motion. [...]the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of deep neck flexor endurance training along with thoracic mobilisation with deep neck flexor endurance training only in patients with mechanical neck pain. [...]evidence suggests that the thoracic region should be addressed in these patients. [...]the additional thoracic mobilisation given to the patients in Group A, must have contributed to the recovery of normal biomechanics, thereby reducing mechanical stress in the cervical spine and improving the distribution of joint force by improving the mobility at the thoracic segments.21 It has been shown that forward head position can result in a four-fold increase in the requirements of the extensor musculature of the cervical spine leading to tightness of the shortened sub-occipital muscles and spasm of trapezius and levator scapulae22 due to their overactivity, giving rise to pain.