Publication:

Efficacy of sustained natural apophyseal glides in neck pain: a comparative study

Background Neck pain stems from mechanical and postural factors. When an incorrect alignment or narrowing of intervertebral space occurs due to incorrect posture or collateral medical problems the individual may experience neck pain but also more dangerous symptoms, such as compression of spinal nerves, muscle weakness or functional impairment in the limbs.

Methods Subjects were screened as per inclusion and exclusion criteria in neck pain. A written consent was assigned by the subjects and were rehabilitated for 5 days in a week for a period of 4 weeks. A total of 60 subjects of both genders aged 30-50 years were divided into three groups at random by simple random sampling method. Group A (n=20): treated with hot pack, Maitland and ultrasound. Group B (n=20) treated with hot pack, SNAGS and ultrasound therapy. Group C (n=20): treated with hot pack. Outcome analyzed by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI). Treatment provided for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Assessment was done before the treatment and after the treatment of four weeks.  Results were analyzed by using SPSS software 26.

Results Results showed a statistically significant improvement in VAS and NDI in experimental groups. Group B statistically more improvement than Group A.

Conclusions The study concluded that treatment protocol received by Group B, mulligan mobilization was more effective compared to Group who received Maitlands mobilization.