Effects of Neck Stabilizers Retraining on Chronic Neck Pain (PBU)

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Neck Pain; Neck Pain Musculoskeletal

Treatments: Other: Conventional exercises; Other: Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07266610

UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/024

U1111-1331-6077 (Registry Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of deep neck stabilizers retraining with pressure biofeedback on cervical range of motion, pain, and temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain.

Participants will receive biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining in one group, while the other group will perform conventional exercises. The neurological connection between the TMJ and neck means that therapies such as neck flexion exercises and biofeedback can alleviate neck pain and jaw issues.

Full description

Chronic neck pain is increasingly affecting young adults in Pakistan. This rise is linked to poor posture, being overweight, aging, and various other factors. Weakness in deep neck muscles can affect neck stability. The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) is useful for evaluating and engaging these muscles. The jaw joint (Temporomandibular joint) and the neck are closely connected through shared nerves. Therefore, problems in the neck can lead to jaw issues (pain and difficulty moving the jaw). Using biofeedback to train deep neck muscles helps improve muscle control, posture, and reduces stress on surface and jaw muscles, easing TMJ symptoms. However, many studies on deep neck stabilizer (DNS) exercises don't focus on jaw problems. This study utilizes pressure biofeedback to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce jaw tension by promoting better neck posture.

Enrollment: 70 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 30 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis: Chronic neck pain (duration more than 3 months and less than 1 year and 6 months)
• TMJ Dysfunction (RCD TMJ Axis I Confirmation on Helkino Index) Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) 20-65 score mild to moderate

Exclusion criteria

• Traumatic neck injury
• Neurological disorders
• Cervical spine infection or surgery
• Cancer

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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70 participants in 2 patient groups

Group 1 (Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining )

Experimental group

Description:

Each session includes TENS and hot pack therapy, crook lying exercises with a 20 mmHg pressure biofeedback sensor, the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test, and neck and shoulder stretches. Data will be collected at the initial point, after 3 weeks, and once more at the 6-week point.

Treatment:

Other: Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining

Group 2 (Conventional exercises)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Each session begins with TENS and hot pack therapy, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder muscles. Data will be collected at the initial point, after 3 weeks, and once more at the 6-week point.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional exercises