Abstract

Neck pain that is not specific to any cause is a common issue among the general population, with a prevalence ranging from 10% to 15%. There is a strong association between trapezius muscle spasm and non-specific neck pain. [Aim] To compare the effect of two therapeutic approaches, namely Myofascial Release (MFR) and Art Therapy, addressing upper trapezius spasm for patients suffering from non-specific neck pain. [After approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. (I.E.C) patients between the age group of 20-50 years having non-specific neck pain were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three outcome measures were taken, VAS for pain assessment Cervical ROM and NDI for functional performance in routine activities. Materials and Methods: The study was done over a sample size of 30 patients which included both male and female patients among the age group of 20 – 50 years suffering from non-specific neck pain. They were divided in two groups where Group A(n-15) received ART and Group B (n-15) received MFR. Randomized sampling was used for selecting the sample population. Duration of study was 12 weeks. Results: Paired and unpaired sample t-test were used to compare the outcome differences between each group. Improvement was significant in both the groups but Group A who received ART had a higher efficacy and effectiveness with VAS (P<0.003), cervical ROM (P<0.004), NDI (P<0.002) as compared to Group B in terms of pain, and range of motion and functional ability. Conclusion, although both the techniques are effective in improving the symptoms of non-specific neck pain, active release therapy had higher effectiveness

Description