Effect of Proprioceptive Exercises on Pain and Function in Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

This study was conducted to see the effect of proprioceptive exercises on pain and function in Non-specific chronic neck pain. Twenty participants with chronic Non-specific neck pain were enrolled in this study. During the final week of treatment, 14 patients were assessed at the end of the sixth treatment week. Participants were randomized into two groups treatment group and control group. Both groups were treated with conventional treatment which were strengthening exercises. Treatment group was also treated by proprioception exercises. For measurement of pain and disability NPRS and NDI scales were used. Exercise regime distributed in six weeks period one session per week exercise, 10-12 repetitions with 1-minute rest interval, lasted 45 minutes in both groups. pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements were taken.

Group A treated with proprioceptive exercises. proprioception exercises included. Head relocation it involve the practice of relocating head back to natural head posture and to predetermined positions in range first with eyes open using feedback from a laser attached to their head and then with closed all active movement of cervical flexion extension lateral flexion and rotations were used. Gaze stability oculomotor exercises commencing with eyes movement with the head stationary, progressing to movement of head with visual fixation on a target. Eye head coordination exercises, commenced with rotation of eyes and head to the same side in both right and left directions. Then progressed with both eyes and head move in opposite direction

Group B treated with strengthening exercises which are performed with prone and supine position by placing a towel under head, press towel for 5 seconds with 10-12 repetitions ,one set in a week for six weeks for cervical muscles

proprioception exercises included (a)Head relocation it involve the practice of relocating head back to natural head posture and to predetermined positions in range first with eyes open using feedback from a laser attached to their head and then with closed all active movement of cervical flexion extension lateral flexion and rotations were used.(b)Gaze stability oculomotor exercises commencing with eyes movement with the head stationary ,progressing to movement of head with visual fixation on a target. (c) Eye head coordination exercises, commenced with rotation of eyes and head to the same side in both right and left directions. Then progressed with both eyes and head move in opposite direction

strengthening exercises which are performed with prone and supine position by placing a towel under head, press towel for 5 seconds with 10-12 repetitions ,one set in a week for six weeks for cervical muscles

11 point numeric scale ranges from 0 representing one pain extreme(no pain)to 10 representing the other pain extreme severity

NDI is ten item questionnaire based on Oswestry low back pain that assess disability associated with neck pain and whiplash. There are four items that relate to symptoms(pain intensity ,headache, concentration ,sleeping)and six items that relate daily activities of life(lifting, work, driving, recreation, personal care, reading) 5-14 score :mild disability,15-24 score moderate disability,25-34 score severe disability,>35 complete disable

Inclusion Criteria: Patients with non-specific neck pain>3 months Postural neck pain Exclusion Criteria: Vascular neoplasia Fibromyalgia Rheumatoid arthritis Radiculopathy Neuropathy Tumor Cervical fractures Vestibular problems Congenital disorder of cervical spine

Coulter ID, Crawford C, Vernon H, Hurwitz EL, Khorsan R, Booth MS, Herman PM. Manipulation and Mobilization for Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for an Appropriateness Panel. Pain Physician. 2019 Mar;22(2):E55-E70.