Impact of myofascial mobilization on pain and mobility of the spine in people with pain and increased muscle tone of the cervical spine

Abstract

<b>Introduction.</b> Manual therapy is a standard method of physiotherapy to deactivate the interfering potential of the trigger points thus eliminate the subsequent tension within the area of the connective tissue. <b>Aims.</b> The aim of the study is the evaluation of the influence of the myofascial trigger points therapy on the increased neck muscle tension, pain and ROM in people who suffer from cervical pain. <b>Material and methods.</b> A diagnostic method was linear measurements of ROM of the cervical spine and a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the pain level. The examination included 35 people aged 25-55, performing whitecollar work in sitting position, selected by a neurologist or orthopedist, with identified increased muscle tension in the cervical region. Achieved results were statistically evaluated. To show the importance of the differences in cervical ROM, the intensity of pain and disability level before and after rehabilitation, a non-parametric signedrank test was utilized. The differences were found as significant for p<0,05. <b>Results and conclusions.</b> A comprehensive physiotherapy of myofascial painfull points results in decrease the pain level in patients suffering from pain syndrome of the cervical spine. Proposed physiotherapy plan lead to improved movement of the cervical spine in all directions.