Effects of Exercise and Electrotherapy in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Ultrasound and Exercise on Pain, Functionality, Kinesophobia and Walking Speed in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

In the treatment of neck pain, physiotherapy modalities such as ultrasound, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot packs and personalized exercise approaches are frequently used. In this planned study, the effects of TENS, ultrasound and a program of stretching, posture and strengthening exercises on pain intensity, functionality, fear of movement and single-task and double-task walking speed in individuals with chronic neck pain will be investigated.

Participants will be evaluated initially and after four weeks.66 participants, who will be included in the study with more than 4 points from the neck disability questionnaire, will be randomly divided into 3 groups with 22 people in each group, regardless of the pain severity.Aches; With Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), their functionality; Kinesiophobia with Neck Disability Index; Single-task dual-task walking speeds with the Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale (TSK); It will be evaluated by the 10 Meter Walk Test.

Among the musculoskeletal complaints of the spine, chronic neck pain (CKP), which is the second most common after low back pain, is seen in the society at a rate of 22-31%, and as it becomes chronic, it leads to an increase in doctor visits. KBA, which often originates from the spine and its surrounding soft tissues, can also be reflected from extravertebral tissues. Common clinical problems that cause neck pain include pathologies such as discopathies of cervical origin, spondylosis, stenosis, myofascial pain syndrome, and mechanical trauma caused by factors such as overuse and improper posture.It is known that being physically inactive in musculoskeletal system pain causes the pain to become chronic. However, CBA may prefer to remain physically inactive due to pain avoidance behaviors in individuals. Kinesiophobia, known as movement aversion; It is defined as "excessive avoidance of movement due to pain, re-injury and sensitivity". In addition to pain and impairment in functionality, CBA can lead to movement avoidance behaviors, many neuromuscular system and biomechanical disorders in individuals.In the studies in the literature, there are no studies that determine the effectiveness of the treatment approaches applied in individuals with CBA on functional status and pain, as well as movement avoidance and double-duty walking, which are effective in daily life. In this context, the aim of the study is to reveal the effectiveness of neck-specific exercises consisting of TENS, US and stretching-posture-strengthening exercises on pain intensity, functionality, kinesophobia and double and single task walking speed in individuals with CBA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Scoring over 4 points in the neck disability questionnaire,
• Having neck pain for at least 3 months,
• Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily,
• 66 individuals between the ages of 18-65 will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Undergoing surgery in the cervical region,
• Having a history of acute trauma in the cervical region,
• Cervical vertebrae infection,
• Having a history of malignancy,
• Have inflammatory arthritis,
• Fracture, dislocation, tumor, infection,
• Who are pregnant,
• Receiving physical therapy within the last 1 year,
• With neurological deficits,
• Having a cardiac pacemaker,
• Patients with severe degeneration on magnetic resonance imaging will be excluded from the study.