Eccentric Exercise in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain

Investigation of The Effect of Eccentric Muscle Training on Pain and Functionality in People With Non-Specific Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most frequently investigated and common musculoskeletal disorders that cause disability in the community.If neck pain is due to multifactorial etiology, it is defined as non-specific neck pain.Eccentric exercises are used to increase muscle strength and muscle mass.

Non-specific neck pain affects negatively and often leads to severe disability. Various rehabilitation techniques are available to reduce pain and disability and increase functional level.

This study aimed to compare the pain and functional status of eccentric exercise training and home program exercise groups of people with non-specific neck pain.

It is known that exercise treatments are useful in strengthening neck muscles and controlling postural disorders in patients with neck pain, which is currently accepted. Eccentric exercises are used to increase muscle strength and muscle mass.

Home exercise and eccentric exercise training groups were included in a total of 24 sessions (8 weeks*3 days); home exercise program was applied to the individuals in the control group. Visual Analog Scale, Mc Gill Melzack Pain Assessment, Neck Disability Index, hand grip strength, and skin resistance assessments.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed with Non-Specific neck pain by a physician
• Having a complaint of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months
• Neck pain severity >40mm according to VAS
• Voluntary participation of the individual in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Radiculopathy and structural defect in the cervical region,
• Surgical history on the cervical region,
• Inflammatory disease,
• Severe psychological illness,
• Presence of infection in bone and soft tissue in the cervical spine,
• Malignancy,
• Advanced osteoporosis,
• Having upper extremity pathologies,
• Having a neurological disease that will prevent treatment
• Having previously undergone cervical region and spine surgery
• To be included in the physiotherapy program from the neck and back region in the last 6 months,
• In case of administration of drugs such as NSAIDs, opioids in the last 24 hours