Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Chronic Neck Pain, Self Mobilization, SNAG, Occupatrional Health, Mulligan, Isometric Exercise, Computer Users, Disability
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial was to find out whether a self-applied neck mobilization technique (called self-SNAGs) or neck strengthening exercises (dynamic isometric exercises) works better to reduce pain and improve daily function in computer professionals aged 25-45 years who had long-lasting mechanical neck pain. The main questions it aimed to answer were: * Does self-SNAG treatment reduce neck pain more than strengthening exercises? * Does self-SNAG treatment improve neck-related daily activities more than strengthening exercises? Researchers compared self-SNAG exercises with dynamic isometric neck exercises to see which approach led to greater pain relief and better function over six weeks. Participants were asked to: * Perform either self-SNAG neck movements using a towel or neck-strengthening exercises using elastic bands. * Do the exercises five days per week for six weeks. * Follow ergonomic advice for proper posture during computer work. * Complete pain and disability questionnaires before and after the program.
Interventions
OTHERSelf-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides
Participants in the Self-SNAG Group performed self-administered cervical SNAG mobilizations using a towel following initial physiotherapist instruction to ensure correct technique. Movements included cervical extension, bilateral rotation, and bilateral lateral flexion. The towel edge was placed beneath the targeted vertebral level to apply a sustained glide while participants actively moved through the available range, with brief end-range overpressure before returning to neutral. Each movement was repeated 6-10 times per session.
OTHERDynamic Isometric Exercise
Participants in the DIE Group performed dynamic isometric exercises using elastic resistance bands, including resisted flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. The band was secured around the head and anchored to a stable surface while participants maintained upright posture and controlled cervical alignment. The head was displaced approximately 10 cm against resistance and slowly returned to the starting position. Each session comprised 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions per movement, with instruction to prevent compensatory motions.
OTHERConventional Adjuncts
All participants of both groups received a standard ergonomic education and postural advice program, which included guidance on neutral spine alignment, workstation optimization, and the incorporation of regular movement breaks during computer work to minimize cervical strain.
Sponsors
King Saud University
PIPRAMS, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradseh, India
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
This study was comparing the effects of self-applied sustained natural apophyseal glides and dynamic isometric cervical exercises on pain intensity and functional disability among computer professionals with chronic mechanical neck pain.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 45 years. * Having chronic mechanical neck pain persisting for at least 3 months. * Computer users of at least 4 to 5 hours daily for greater than 3 years. * Understand and be able to perform the indicated exercises well. * Cooperation in the study with voluntary participation.
Exclusion criteria
* Prior history of musculoskeletal neck disorders, trauma, fracture, inflammation, malignancy, active infection, any neurological disorders or deficits, and any spinal surgeries. * Acute mechanical neck pain * Non-cooperation in the study,
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | 6 weeks | Pain intensity was assessed using a reliable and valid Visual Analog Scale, marked with 0 and 10 at either end, indicating no pain and unbearable pain, respectively. |
| Functional Disability | 6 weeks | Participants' functional disability was measured using the reliable and validated Neck Disability Index (NDI), with total scores ranging from 0 (no disability) to 50 (severe disability). |
Countries
India
Contacts
STUDY_DIRECTORAhmad H. Alghadir, PhD
King Saud University
Outcome results
None listed