Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise for Mechanical Neck Disorders

Prior to randomization, potential participants underwent a standardized history and examination of the cervical spine and upper quarter. We collected demographic information that included each patient's age; gender; medication use; imaging results; and the location, nature, and duration of symptoms. Self-report measures included the NDI and VAS pain scales. Physical exam measures included cervical range of motion measurements with a gravity inclinometer, passive accessory motion testing to assess cervical spine segmental mobility and pain provocation, an upper quarter neurological screening, and special tests commonly used to identify cervical impairments.

Participants meeting all inclusion criteria were randomized into one of two treatment groups: 1) manual physical therapy and exercise (MTE) or 2) minimal intervention (MI).

Patients in the MTE group received manual physical therapy interventions specifically targeted to impairments identified during the physical examination. Physical therapists chose manual interventions consisting of thrust and non-thrust joint manipulation/mobilization, muscle energy, and soft-tissue mobilization/stretching techniques that are commonly referenced and used in clinical practice. We provided all patients in the MTE group with a standard home exercise program of cervical retraction, deep neck flexor strengthening, and cervical rotation range of motion exercises.

Patients in the MI group received a basic treatment plan consistent with general practitioner care. We provided all patients with a basic regimen of postural advice, encouragement to maintain neck motion and daily activity levels, cervical rotation range of motion exercise, and instructions to continue any prescribed medication use. Minimalist physical therapy treatments consisted of sub-therapeutic pulsed (10%) ultrasound at 0.1w/cm2 for 10 minutes applied to the cervical spine and cervical rotation range of motion exercises. We provided these treatments to maintain the patients' expectations for physical therapy treatment and subsequent improvement, and to standardize the therapist-patient interaction time

The intervention period lasted 3 weeks with both groups receiving treatment twice weekly for up to 6 sessions. We standardized treatment time for both groups by using a one-hour initial evaluation and treatment session and thirty-minute follow-up treatment sessions. Patients did not have to complete all six visits if their symptoms had fully resolved. The treating therapist instructed and supervised all exercises to ensure proper patient technique and understanding.

We collected outcome measure data at baseline and at the patient's 3-week, 6-week and 1-year follow-ups. All outcome measures were collected by physical therapists that were blinded to treatment group allocation.

Inclusion criteria

• primary complaint of neck pain, with or without unilateral upper extremity symptoms
• age greater than 18
• Neck Disability Index (NDI) score greater than or equal to 10 points
• Composite Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score greater than or equal to 30mm
• Eligible for military health care
• Reside within one hour of the military treatment facilities
• Possess sufficient English language skills to complete all questionnaires

Exclusion criteria

• whiplash injury within the past 6 weeks
• history of spinal tumors, spinal infection, cervical spine fracture, or previous neck surgery
• pending legal action regarding their neck pain
• diagnosis of central cervical spinal stenosis
• bilateral upper extremity symptoms
• two positive neurological findings at the same nerve root level