Dear Colleagues,
As part of my commitment to evidence-based chiropractic care, I’m sharing key findings from a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (Arsh et al., 2020) on the effectiveness of manual therapy for non-specific neck pain. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing treatment outcomes for our patients with neck pain.
Study Overview:
Objective: Compare the effectiveness of manual therapy applied to the cervical spine alone versus combined cervical and upper thoracic spine manual therapy in managing non-specific neck pain.
Participants: 37 patients aged 25–60 years with non-specific neck pain were randomized into two groups at three hospitals in Peshawar, Pakistan, from October 2016 to January 2017.
Intervention: The control group received cervical manual therapy alone, while the experimental group received both cervical and upper thoracic manual therapy for 2 weeks.
Outcome Measures: Pain intensity and neck disability, assessed using validated scales, with measurements taken pre- and post-intervention.
Key Findings:
Baseline Similarity: No significant differences existed between groups at baseline for pain (p=0.125) or disability (p=0.392).
Improved Outcomes: The experimental group (cervical + thoracic manual therapy) showed significantly greater reductions in:
Pain intensity (p=0.02).
Neck disability (p=0.03) compared to the control group (cervical manual therapy alone).
Conclusion: Combining cervical and upper thoracic manual therapy is more effective than cervical manual therapy alone in reducing pain and disability in patients with non-specific neck pain.
Clinical Implications: This study underscores the value of addressing both cervical and upper thoracic regions in manual therapy for non-specific neck pain. Incorporating thoracic interventions can enhance pain relief and functional outcomes, offering a more comprehensive approach to care. Chiropractors are well-positioned to deliver such targeted manual therapies, complementing medical management for neck pain patients.
How We Can Collaborate: At Kissimmee Family Wellness Center, we integrate evidence-based manual therapies, including cervical and thoracic techniques, to optimize outcomes for neck pain patients. Our approach includes tailored interventions, patient education, and collaboration with medical professionals. I welcome opportunities to partner with you to co-manage patients with non-specific neck pain, ensuring comprehensive care. Please contact me to discuss referrals or treatment plans.
Source: Arsh, A., et al. (2020). Effectiveness of manual therapy to the cervical spine with and without manual therapy to the upper thoracic spine in the management of non-specific neck pain; a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 70(3), 399–403. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32207414/
Contact:
Bryon Moore, DC
Kissimmee Family Wellness Center
(407) 847-4101
drbmoore@kfwc.com
Sincerely,
Bryon Moore, DC
