Effi̇cacy of neck stabi̇li̇zati̇on exerci̇ses for chroni̇c neck pai̇n

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the effectivity of neck stabilization exercises on pain, range of motion, disability and depression among patients with chronic neck pain versus the conventional exercise program. Materials and Method: 60 patients with chronic neck pain enrolled this prospective single-blind randomized controlled study.58 patients completed this study. The patients were randomized into two groups. Patients in group 1 were given neck stabilization exercises while the patients in group 2 were given traditional neck exercise. Both groups were given information about neck protection techniques. Exercises were given under the supervision of the same physiatrist for three weeks; five sessions a week and in groups of 4 or 5 people. At the end of the treatment, patients were given a home exercise program containing the same exercises and asked to perform the exercises for three months. All patients were followed for three months. Neck pain at rest (VAS) evaluated with visual analog scala (0-10 cm) and neck pain related with daily activities (VASGYA) evaluated with visual analog scala; the range of motion of the neck in sagittal, transverse and frontal planes, disability (Neck Disability İndex), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) were evaluated. These evaluations were made in the beginning, at the end of the treatment and 1 and 3 months after the end of the treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in the age, sex, duration of pain and education level among the two groups (p>0.05). The body mass index was significantly high in the conventional neck exercise group (p= 0.026). Compared to the beginning of the treatment, in both groups, significant improvement was established in neck pain at rest, neck pain related with daily activities, Neck Disability İndex ,the range of motion of the neck in sagittal, transverse and frontal planes, and the Beck Depression Inventory (p <0.05). No significant statistical difference was found in the number of paracetamol treatment used in both groups (p>0.05). No significant difference were found in neck pain at rest (VAS), neck pain related with daily activities (VASGYA), disability (Neck Disability İndex), Beck Depression Inventory, and in the range of motion of the neck in sagittal and frontal planes (p>0.05). In the stabilization exercise group, statistically significant improvement was found in the range of motion of the neck in transverse plane (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result that conventional and stabilization exercise programs are effective in chronic neck pain. Stabilization exercise programs, which show their effect by maintaining segmental stabilization, postural control and the balance between the superficial and deep muscles of the neck region, contribute to reduce pain in daily activities and improve function similar to the conventional exercise programs. This is the first study to compare only conventional neck exercises including isometric and stretch exercises with only stabilization exercises excluding the combined therapy approach. Long term studies are required to show the difference between the two approaches.