The Changes in Psychological and Functional Limitation after Pain Neuroscience Education in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: (A Quasi Experimental Study)

Abstract

Background: Chronic Non-specific neck pain is a common disorder that causes ramifications from psycho-social factors. Can be related to limited cervical mobility, impaired functions, and stress at work Pain is a common human experience, and the inability to feel pain poses a risk to a person’s survival. PNE explains how pain operates fundamentally, including three core bio-psychosocial therapeutic options that are biological, psychological, and social. Objective: To study the impact of PNE on psychosocial and functional limitations in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: The study is a quasi-experimental study comprising 85 participants, with pre-test (Group A) and post-test (Group B) receiving PNE. Results: The mean NPRS scores obtained in the PNE group were 5.63±1.3 in the pre-test and 2.3±1.2 in the post-intervention, and the mean difference was 3.33(Mean of paired differences). The mean PCS scores obtained in the PNE group were 25.09±4.31in the pre-test and 12.04±4.25 in the post-intervention, and the mean difference was 13.05. The mean NDI scores obtained in the PNE group were 30.67±17.34 in the pre-test and 7.50±3.74 in the post-intervention, and the mean difference was 23.17. It shows significant improvement in pain intensity and functional limitations. Conclusion: The present study concluded that pain neuroscience education has an impact on changing psychosocial and functional limitations in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain using the Neck Disability Index, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Numerical Pain Intensity Scale, and Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire.