Acupressure Versus Ischemic Release in Non-specific Neck Pain (Manual)

Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Samaan

Status: Completed

Conditions: Manual Therapy; Neck Pain

Treatments: Procedure: Manual therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05182346

CURs

Reaserch promotion (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP.

Full description

Nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is the commonest cause of neck symptoms and results from postural and mechanical causes.Chronic neck pain (CNP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome (MFPS) which is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are one of the most overlooked and ignored causes of musculoskeletal pain.The objectives of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure of cervical acupoints versus ischemic compression release (ICR) of MTrPs in CNP. This single blind randomized trial involves patients with NSNP were randomly assigned into three groups: the acupressure group (ACG), and the ischemic compression release group (ICRG) and the control group (CG). Patients in all groups received hot packs and post-isometric relaxation. Patients in ACG received acupressure at local acupuncture points, Gall bladder 21 (GB 21), small intestine 14 (SI 14) and SI 15, and the ICRG received pressure on MTrPs of trapezius muscle on both sides. VAS sores, pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck lateral flexion range of motion, and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Enrollment: 45 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• All participants have nonspecific NP for a period of >3 months
• All participants are presented with at least one active MTrP at the upper trapezius muscle, -
• All participants had not used any medications or physiotherapy to alleviate pain were included in this study.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants who met these criteria had been excluded:

  1. NP due to trauma, whiplash, cervical disc prolapse, inflammation, malignant disease, or any other neurological and orthopedic conditions, which will affect the assessment.
  2. Congenital malformation of the spine as it will alter the normal pattern of movements.
  3. Had any invasive therapies in the past month.
  4. Patients with sensory impairments, such as diabetic sensory neuropathy.
  5. Mental disorders.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Factorial Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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45 participants in 2 patient groups

Acupressure of classical acupoints

Experimental group

Description:

Acupressure is applied on four acupoints: Pressure was applied to large intestine 10 (LI10) (large intestine meridians): It is located on the dorsal radial side of the forearm, 2 Cun below the transverse cubital crease. Hegu (large intestine meridians, LI 4): It is in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side. TE5 (Triple energizer): It is located 2 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease between the radius and the ulna. SI3 (small intestine meridians): It is located at the ulnar end of the distal palmar crease proximal to the 5th metacarpal phalangeal joint. These acupoints are commonly used in the treatment of cervical myofascial pain syndrome.

Treatment:

Procedure: Manual therapy

Ischemic compression release of myofascial trigger points

Experimental group

Description:

Ischemic compression was gradually applied pressure to the trigger point with your thumb. The patient will likely feel referred pain in a question mark pattern (along the back of the neck, around the side of the head, and then a focused pain right behind the eye). Keep in communication with the patient, checking to ensure that in staying within the limits of his pain tolerance. Hold this technique for approximately 20 seconds to 1 minute, patient tells you that pain has diminished, or until feels the muscle fibers begin to relax under your pressure. Once feel this release, gradually release pressure. All identified trigger points will be treated. Then apply a few effleurage strokes to flush out the area and follow up with a passive stretch to the muscle.

Treatment:

Procedure: Manual therapy