SHORT-TERM EFFECT OF SUSTAINED NATURAL APOPHYSEAL GLIDES ON CERVICAL JOINT POSITION SENSE, PAIN AND NECK DISABILITY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorders characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations. It is associated with significant disability in the general population. Mobilization are commonly recommended for neck pain, but evidence-based guidelines do not explain the used of sustained natural apophyseal glides for chronic neck pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term efficacy of sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGS) on cervical joint position sense, pain and neck disability in patients with chronic neck pain. Method: A total of 30 subjects were randomized and divided into experimental group of 15 subjects and a control group of 15 subjects. Experimental group received SNAGS, hot pack and neck isometric exercises three times per week for two weeks whereas control group received only hot pack and neck isometric exercises three times per week for two weeks. Readings and measurements were taken on the first day before the intervention and two weeks after the intervention, for cervical joint position sense, pain and neck disability using an inclinometer instrument, numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index questionnaire respectively. Results: The data was analyzed using statistical test which was performed using SPSS 17 software package. Our study clearly demonstrated a significant improvement in cervical joint position sense (CJPE), pain (NPRS) and neck disability (NDI) in both groups(p