Effect of visceral manipulation on forward head posture in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain – a pilot study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Forward head posture is considered to be the most common musculoskeletal postural imbalance causing protrusion of head anterior to trunk. Internal organs are inter-connected and attached posteriorly to the spine through the support membranes. Tension in these support membranes may further cause mechanical restrictions, thereby affecting the mobility of the visceral organ and associated musculoskeletal structure in a two-way mechanism. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of organ-specific visceral manipulation on posture, disability, strength, and pain in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain. According to this study hypothesis visceral manipulation aim to explore the effect of organ-specific fascia manipulation on posture, disability, strength, and pain in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain with forwarding head posture were recruited using a convenience sampling method. This study was conducted in a Physiotherapy department of a recognized multi-specialty hospital, Mohali. Subjects were referred after diagnosis from chronic neck pain from the departments. A single session of placebo visceral manipulation was administered in the first week, followed by a single session of visceral manipulation of the pleural dome and pericardial ligaments in the second week. Posture screen mobile application (posture), Pressure biofeedback unit (muscular activation), Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analog Scales were used to measure the pre and post outcomes. RESULT: Between-group comparison of the outcome showed a statistically significant difference in the VAS (p=0.001), Posture screening application (p=0.02), and NDI (p=0.07). No significant changes were observed in the strength outcome. CONCLUSION: Single session of visceral manipulation for the pleural dome and pericardial ligaments may benefit in improving the forward head posture, neck disability and reducing the pain.