Interferential Current and Therapeutic Exercise Program in Chronic Neck Pain

Efficacy of a Interferential Current and Therapeutic Exercise Program in Subjects With Chronic Neck Pain

Objectives: To analyze the number of sessions needed to achieve a positive impact after combining interferential current therapy and therapeutic exercise, compared with therapeutic exercise alone, on self-reported pain, disability and range of motion in subjects with chronic neck pain.

Design: A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. Subjects: Patients between 18 and 65 years old, with idiopathic chronic neck pain.

Methods: The experimental group who will perform a combined treatment using Interferential current therapy and therapeutic exercise for two weeks. The control group will receive the same program of therapeutic exercise during the same period of time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Nonspecific mechanical neck pain (chronic neck pain diagnosed by a physician)
• Age between 18 and 65 years old
• Both males and females
• Non apprehension to electrotherapy (determined by the Personal Psychological Apprehension scale- EAPP)
• Self-reported pain higher than 2 in the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metallic implants in the vertebral column
• Apprehension to electrotherapy (a score >45 points in EAPP)
• Cervicogenic headache
• Cervicogenic Dizziness
• Neck pain associated with neurological deficits
• Unexplained fever
• Cervical surgery associated to persistent pain
• Specific diagnostics (cervical myelopathy, cervical stenosis, osteomyopathy)
• Other diagnostics such as visceral pain referred to the neck or non-cervical cause.
• Involvement in litigation
• Manual treatment for the neck-shoulder area in the last month before data collection