Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Chronic mechanical neck pain is a common medical complaint with a high socio economic impact .Approximately 70% of individual at some point in their lives being considered a frequent problem of disability. The life time prevalence of chronic mechanical neck pain is approximately 50% and is associated with substantial societal and individual burden. Recent studies estimated its print of prevalence to be between 6 and 22% which increases with age, although symptoms of neck pain are common among the population with the age group of 35-55 years. Conservative treatment such as exercise, massage, stretching, physical therapy, local anaesthetic filtration has been found beneficial for chronic mechanical neck pain. Alternative medicinal approach such as Yoga Pilates, Tai chi have found efficacious for chronic mechanical neck pain. The aim of the study is to analyse and compare the effectiveness of Yoga, Pilates and tai chi exercise for chronic mechanical neck pain. Materials and Methods: Chronic mechanical neck pain is a common medical complaint with a high socio economic impact .Approximately 70% of individual at some point in their lives experience chronic mechanical neck pain. 40 Samples from 60 volunteers were selected based on the inclusion criteria Painful restriction of cervical spine, Neck pain, Age between 35-55 years, more than 40% of Tampa scale for kinesiophobia and Northwick pain park questionnaire. The study excluded those with Whiplash injury, frozen shoulder syndrome, Prolapse or protrusion, invasive treatment (surgery, nerve blocks, and neurotomy) within last 6 weeks, Spinal stenosis, Herniated vertebral disc. 40 samples were equally divided into 4 groups 10 in each. Group A received yoga, B –Tai Chi, C- Pilates, D-Control group. Participant will be given a consent form, Northwick pain park questionnaire and Tampa scale for kinesiophobia for final screening of inclusion and also used as pre –test. Post –test done after 3 weeks of intervention. Results: The analysis was randomized experimental study for the subjects with chronic mechanical neck pain. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software, All the four Groups showed improvement comparing Pre and Post treatment mean value ,while Group A Yoga post-test NPPQ (24.60) and TSK (55.20) showed significant difference compared to Group B Pilates post-test NPPQ (29.20) and TSK (58.10)and Group C Tai chi post-test NPPQ (48.80) and TSK (60.80) and Group D Control Group post-test NPPQ (56.70) and TSK (63.70) in reduction of pain by statistically comparing the mean values of Northwick pain park questionnaire and Tampa scale for kinesiophobia of four treatment groups indicated that Yoga as more efficient than the Pilates, Tai chi and Control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that the Yoga is more effective than the Pilates and Tai chi and Control Group exercise for chronic mechanical neck pain while Pilates,Tai chi and control Group exercise even showed a considerable decrease in symptoms when comparing the post-test mean values. Yoga is effective in reducing pain, disability, quality of life and fear of movements in subjects with mechanical neck pain. Yoga proved to be equally efficacious and safe, it may be considered a suitable alternative in the treatment for subjects with neck pain.