Does Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Training Affect Pain Pressure Thresholds of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain? A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Pavlos Bobos, Evdokia Billis, Dimitra-Tania Papanikolaou, Constantinos Koutsojannis, Joy C MacDermid, Pavlos Bobos, Evdokia Billis, Dimitra-Tania Papanikolaou, Constantinos Koutsojannis, Joy C MacDermid

Abstract

Background. We need to understand more about how DNF performs in different contexts and whether it affects the pain threshold over myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Purpose. The objectives were to investigate the effect of neck muscles training on disability and pain and on pain threshold over MTrPs in people with chronic neck pain. Methods. Patients with chronic neck pain were eligible for participation with a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of over 5/50 and having at least one MTrP on either levator scapulae, upper trapezoid, or splenius capitis muscle. Patients were randomly assigned into either DNF training, superficial neck muscle exercise, or advice group. Generalized linear model (GLM) was used to detect differences in treatment groups over time. Results. Out of 67 participants, 60 (47 females, mean age: 39.45 ± 12.67) completed the study. Neck disability and neck pain were improved over time between and within groups (p < 0.05). However, no differences were found within and between the therapeutic groups (p < 0.05) in the tested muscles' PPTs and in cervicothoracic angle over a 7-week period. Conclusion. All three groups improved over time. This infers that the pain pathways involved in the neck pain relief are not those involved in pain threshold.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests and no financial affiliation (including research funding) or involvement with any commercial organization that has a direct financial interest in any matter included in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Sensitivity of pain pressure thresholds on both sides before and after treatment.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Measurement of disability levels among groups before and after treatment.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Patients satisfaction levels (CSQ-8) among treatment groups in the end of the intervention.

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Source: PubMed

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