A comparison of Chiropractic treatment and Mulligan mobility technique in people with neck pain

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment and Mulligan mobilization technique in people with neck pain and to compare the superiority of the treatments. Thirty-six participants (20 males and 16 females) aged 24-62 years were randomly divided into 3 groups. Numerical Analog Scale (NAS), Kophenag Neck Function Disability Scale (CNFDS), Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and cervical range of motion tests were performed before starting the treatment. A home exercise program was given to all three groups. The first group received chiropractic manipulation (HVLA) twice a week and the second group received Mulligan mobilization techniques (NAGS, SNAGS) twice a week. The third group followed a home exercise program only. Two weeks and four weeks later, the same tests were performed again and the results were recorded. In all three groups, pain intensity, range of motion and quality of life improved after treatment (p<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the change in depression levels (p˃0.05). While both groups showed greater improvement compared to the control group, the reduction in pain intensity was greater in the chiropractic manipulation group, but there was no statistical difference. Among other changes, there was no significant difference between the chiropractic and Mulligan mobilization group (p˃0.05). The results of this study suggest that chiropractic treatment and the Mulligan mobilization technique, when combined with a home exercise program, may contribute to pain, function, and range of motion in people with neck pain.