Abstract
BackgroundSleep ergonomics are increasingly prescribed as an adjunct treatment to chronic neck pain. Postulated benefits to maintaining the ideal sleeping posture are improved tissue repair in and around the facet joints, decrease in tension of associated musculature and better quality sleep.AimThe purpose of this study was to determine if the inclusion of a visco-elastic polyurethane (VEP) pillow could benefit the chiropractic treatment of chronic neck pain.SettingThe study took place at a chiropractic training clinic in Johannesburg.MethodParticipants were randomly assigned to either a chiropractic treatment only group (CHI) (n = 15) or a chiropractic treatment with a VEP pillow group (CHI+P) (n = 15). Both groups underwent six chiropractic treatments spaced at 3–4-day intervals and the CHI+P were provided with a VEP pillow. Baseline and post-test measurements consisted of the initial Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) and the Vernon–Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index (NDI).ResultsBoth the CHI and CHI+P groups significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved their NRS (p = 0.001 for both groups) and NDI (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively) scores. Furthermore, post hoc analysis indicated a significant difference at post-test between the two groups for NRS (p = 0.015), but not for NDI (p = 0.195). The CHI+P demonstrated an improved minimum clinically important difference (MCID) (43% vs. 73% for NRS and 59% vs. 71% for the NDI).ConclusionFindings of this study suggest that a VEP pillow could be included as an adjunct management tool to chiropractic treatment of chronic neck pain.
Highlights
Introduction and backgroundNeck pain is a common health problem with approximately 70% of the population suffering from its debilitating effects at some point in their lives (Bronfort et al 2001)
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if the inclusion of a visco-elastic polyurethane (VEP) pillow could benefit the chiropractic treatment of chronic neck pain
The chiropractic treatment only group (CHI)+P demonstrated an improved minimum clinically important difference (MCID) (43% vs. 73% for Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS) and 59% vs. 71% for the Neck Pain and Disability Index (NDI))
Summary
Introduction and backgroundNeck pain is a common health problem with approximately 70% of the population suffering from its debilitating effects at some point in their lives (Bronfort et al 2001). Conservative treatment consists of exercise therapies, medication, transcutaneous nerve stimulation and traction, with mobilisation and manipulation recommended as the first option (Bronfort et al 2001; Evans 2014; Shaw, Shaw & Brown 2015; Van Eerd et al 2010). In this regard, spinal manipulation may assist in the reduction of neck pain. Postulated benefits to maintaining the ideal sleeping posture are improved tissue repair in and around the facet joints, decrease in tension of associated musculature and better quality sleep
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