The Effectiveness of Postural Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

The Effect of Postural Stabilization Exercises on Craniovertebral Angle, Disability and Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of postural stabilization exercises given in addition to cervical stabilization on craniovertebral angle, neck disability index, and quality of life in people with chronic neck pain.Sixty women with chronic neck pain between the ages of 20-60 were included in the study and the individuals were randomly divided into two groups. Individuals in the first group underwent cervical stabilization (CS) exercises and additional scapular and lumbopelvic stabilization (SLPS) exercises three times a week for 6 weeks. The second group was treated with only CS exercises for the same period. In addition, stretching exercises and a 20-minute hot pack were applied to the muscles around the neck of all patients. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured by photogrammetry. Disability level was measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The Turkish version of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used to assess quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The study included females between the ages of 20-60 years, with moderate pain intensity (3 cm and above according to the Visual Pain Scale) and neck pain lasting more than 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who had undergone any shoulder or neck surgery complained of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, had a neurological disease, cervical radiculopathy, and serious systemic disease that would interfere with treatment, and who were pregnant were excluded from the study