Ischemic Compression and Home Exercise in Non-Specific Neck Pain

Evaluation of the Effects of Ischemic Compression Combined With Home Exercise on Pain Intensity and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of ischemic compression combined with home exercise on pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability level, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Participants will be divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving ischemic compression plus home exercises, and a control group receiving only home exercises. The study aims to provide clinical evidence regarding the effectiveness of combined treatment approaches for non-specific neck pain.

A total of 52 individuals, aged 18-65, with non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=26) or the control group (n=26). Both groups will be prescribed a home exercise program. The treatment group will additionally receive ischemic compression sessions twice a week for 4 weeks.

Ischemic compression will be applied by the therapist using the thumb or a suitable contact surface, exerting controlled and gradually increasing pressure directly on the trigger point. The pressure will be maintained at the participant's pain tolerance limit (uncomfortable but bearable) and will last approximately 90 seconds for each trigger point. Participant feedback will be continuously monitored; pressure will be reduced or terminated in case of excessive pain or discomfort.

Evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for neck disability level, the SF-12 for quality of life, and goniometric measurements for cervical range of motion. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
• Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months.
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.).
• Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months.
• History of neurological disease.
• History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
• Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.