Comparison of neck manipulation treatment and visceral osteopathy techniques in people with mechanical neck pain

"Seyrek, C. (2024). A Comparison of Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Visceral Osteopathy Techniques in Individuals with Mechanical Neck Pain. Master's Thesis, Istanbul Atlas University Graduate School of Education, Department of Anatomy, Istanbul. The aim of the study is to compare the acute effects of cervical spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and visceral osteopathy (VO) techniques on pain, neck and upper extremity function, cervical range of motion (ROM), neck and elbow muscle strength, and grip strength in mechanical origin neck pain (MONP). A total of 30 subjects diagnosed with MONP in the age range of 18-60 were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation was applied to the cervical spinal manipulation group, while visceral osteopathy techniques were applied to the other group. Each treatment technique was applied only once. Pain level was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while functionality was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Cervical ROM assessment was done using a goniometer. Neck and elbow muscle strength were evaluated using the MicroFET 2 dynamometer, and grip strengths were assessed using a Camry brand digital display hand dynamometer. When pre- and post-intervention values of both groups were compared, significant improvements were observed in all muscle strength measurements except craniovertebral angle, right elbow flexion, and grip strengths, as well as in VAS, NDI, and DASH scores (p>0.05). In intergroup comparisons; the cervical spinal manipulation group showed statistically significant improvements compared to the visceral osteopathy group in neck flexion, neck extension, neck lateral flexion to the right and left, as well as left elbow flexion and extension, and right elbow extension muscle strengths (p>0.05). According to the study, it was determined that SST and VO techniques are effective in pain, neck and upper extremity functionality, and neck and elbow muscle strength in MONP.