Effects of Neural Mobilization on Respiratory Parameters in Chronic Neck Pain

Effects of Neural Mobilization on Respiratory Parameters, Pain, Range of Motion, and Neck Awareness in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Neural mobilization (NM) is commonly used to treat nerve disorders, and it is useful for disorders associated with neck and arm pain. This study aimed to determine the effects of NM on respiratory function in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods: Overall, 26 patients with neck pain were randomly assigned to two groups: NM or control. In these participants, respiratory function and active cervical range of motion were assessed before and after intervention. Furthermore, the participants were provided a visual analog scale (VAS) and Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ). Each participant underwent 15 treatment sessions (5 days per week for 3 weeks). Further, in the NM group, in addition to conventional treatment, 10 sessions of neural mobilization were performed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged 25-65 years,
• those with neck pain for >3 months
• those with complaints of pain, tension
• numbness on neurodynamic nerve tests

Exclusion Criteria:

• individuals with spinal stenosis,
• neurological diagnosis, malignancy,
• upper extremity vascular problems,
• osteoporosis,
• pregnancy,
• history of newly repaired peripheral nerves,
• inflammatory processes,
• cervical spine and upper extremity surgeries,
• conditions affecting lung capacity (such as asthma, bronchitis, and diabetes mellitus)