• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.33-37
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• 2015

Background: The purpose of this study on the effects of deep cervical flexors strengthening exercise to forward head posture and pain of neck in patients with chronic neck pain. Method: We selected 30 subjects among neck pain patients and carried out measurements. The subjects' forward head posture was measured including head tilt angle (HTA), neck flexion angle (NFA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA), neck disability index (NDI), numeric rating scale (NRS). The subjects underwent deep cervical flexors muscle strengthening with pressure bio-feedback device for 4 weeks. Then, after intervention, the subjects' forward head posture was measured again. It was performed Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for confirming the effect of deep cervical flexor muscles strengthening exercise. Results: As a result of comparison of measurements before and after intervention, we found that there were statistically significant improvement in the subjects' NDI, NRS and forward head posture including head tilt angle, neck flexion angle and forward shoulder angle. Conclusion: We concluded that deep cervical flexors strengthening exercise has the effect of alleviation of neck pain patients and is effective for forward head posture.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.36-46
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• 2021

Background: It is reported that the proprioceptive sensation of patients with neck pain is reduced, and neck sensory-motor control training using visual feedback is reported to be effective. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate how sensorimotor control training for the cervical spine affects pain, function, and psychosocial status in patients with chronic cervical pain. Methods: The subjects consisted of 36 adults (male: 15, female: 21) who had experienced cervical spine pain for more than 6 weeks. An exercise program composed of cervical stabilization exercise (10 minutes), electrotherapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (10 minutes), and cervical sensorimotor control training (10 minutes) was implemented for both the experimental and the control groups. The cervical range of motion (CROM) and head repositioning accuracy were assessed using a CROM device. In the experimental group, the subjects wore a laser device on the head to provide visual feedback while following pictures in front of their eyes; whereas, in the control group, the subjects had the same training of following pictures without the laser device. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status; however, post-test results showed significant decreases after 2 weeks and 4 weeks compared to baseline (p < 0.01), and after 4 weeks compared to after 2 weeks (p < 0.01). The cervical joint position sense differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, visual feedback enhanced proprioception in the cervical spine, resulting in improved cervical joint position sense. On the other hand, there were no significant effects on pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.277-288
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• 2018

Background: Neck and back pain are leading sources of disability placing substantial burden on health care systems. Surgical interventions in managing chronic neck pain secondary to various disorders continue to increase. Even though surgical interventions are effective, a significant proportion of patients continue to have symptomatology and develop cervical post-surgery syndrome. This study was performed to know the effectiveness of cervical interlaminar epidural injections with or without steroids. Methods: The effectiveness of fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections in post-surgery syndrome was evaluated in a randomized, active controlled trial. The study population included 116 patients assigned to 2 groups. Group 1 received cervical interlaminar epidural injections with local anesthetic alone and Group 2 received injection with local anesthetic and steroids. The main outcomes were defined as significant improvement (greater than 50%) of pain relief using the numeric rating scale and/or functional status improvement using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Results: Both groups had similar results with significant improvement (${\geq}50%$ pain relief and functional status improvement) in 69% of the patients in Group I, whereas, in Group II, 71% of the patients showed significant improvement at the end of 2 years. During a 2-year period, the average number of procedures was 5 to 6, with an average of approximately 12 weeks of significant improvement per procedure. Conclusions: Fluoroscopic cervical interlaminar epidural injections administered in cervical post-surgery syndrome using local anesthetic, regardless of the use of steroids, may be effective in approximately 70% of the patients at 2-year follow-up.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제36권2호
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• pp.242-252
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• 2023

Background: Neck pain is a common problem in the general population and second only to low back pain in musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study is to compare three different types of exercise training in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: This study was conducted on 45 patients with neck pain. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (conventional treatment), Group 2 (conventional treatment plus deep cervical flexor training), and Group 3 (conventional treatment plus stabilization of the neck and core region). The exercise programs were applied for four weeks, three days a week. The demographic data, pain intensity (verbal numeric pain scale), posture (Reedco's posture scale), cervical range of motion ([ROM] goniometer), and disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]) were evaluated. Results: In all groups, a significant improvement was found in terms of pain, posture, ROM, and NDI values in all groups (P < 0.001). Between the groups, analyses showed that the pain and posture improved more in Group 3, while the ROM and NDI improved more in Group 2. Conclusions: In addition to conventional treatment, applying core stabilization exercises or deep cervical flexor muscle training to patients with neck pain may be more effective in reducing pain and disability and increasing ROM than conventional treatment alone.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제16권4호
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• pp.117-124
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• 2021

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of muscle thickness of the deep cervical flexor muscle, muscle tonicity, and muscle fatigue of the superficial cervical flexor muscle by applying a functional latex pillow to patients with chronic cervical pain. METHODS: An experimental group using a functional latex pillow and a control group using a general pillow were assigned randomly to 30 people. Each pillow was applied in a comfortable lying position in the experimental group and control group. The deep cervical flexor muscle thickness was measured in the longus colli and longus capitus using ultrasonography. The muscle tonicity and muscle fatigue of the superficial cervical flexor muscle were measured separately in the sternocleidomastoid muscle using a myotonometer and electromyography. RESULTS: In the experimental group(functional latex pillow), the muscle tonicity of the superficial cervical flexor muscle like the sternocleidomastoid muscle was significantly lower than that of the control group (general pillow)(p < .01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the functional latex pillow may effectively reduce the muscle tonicity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is the superficial cervical muscle, in patients with chronic cervical pain. On the other hand, it was not effective on the muscle thickness of the deep cervical flexor muscle and muscle fatigue of the superficial cervical flexor muscles.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.151-154
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• 2010

The efficacy of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for treatment of various chronic painful conditions is well established. Very few reports have documented the use of SCS for treatment of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. We present a case showing a good outcome after such treatment, and suggest that high cervical stimulation may be efficacious. A 53-year-old male underwent SCS on the C1-3 level for treatment of intractable neuropathic pain below the T3 level, and in the upper extremities, arising from spinal cord injury resulting from transverse myelitis caused by schistosomiasis. High cervical SCS significantly improved the pain in the upper extremities and at the T3-T10 dermatome level. The patient continues to report excellent pain relief 9 months later. The present case suggests that high cervical stimulation may improve chronic pain in the upper extremities and the T3-T10 dermatome level arising from spinal cord injury.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.151-159
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• 2019

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sitting questionmark exercise (SQE) and brugger's relief exercise (BRE) on pain, ROM, proprioception, NDI in 60 Patients with Chronic Cervical Pain (CCP). Methods : In this study the VAS and NDI were used to investigate changes in pain and disability with SQE and BRE. The pre and post intervention intra group differences were analysed with a paired t-test for mean values, and the inter group differences were analyzed with an independent t-test for mean values. Results : The pain of both of groups was lowered with statistical significance. Pain of SQE group is lower than that of BRE group with statistical significance. ROM in both groups was improved, but there is no significant difference between two groups. NDI in both of groups were significantly decreased after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between groups. there was NDI ratio (%) significant difference between each groups. Conclusion : SQE intervention may be considered a more effective clinical approach for reducing pain and restoring proprioception in patients with CCP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.519-535
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• 2005

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of manual therapies which are Posterior Anterior Central Vertebral Pressure (PACVP) and Posterior Anterior Unilateral Vertebral Pressure(PAUVP} in patients having a chronic pain in the neck. This study focused on sixty patients having a chronic pain in the neck from 19 years old and 65years old. There are 33 females and 27 males each. This study randomize two groups from all subjects that have been mentioned above. Group 1 received a cervical spine manual therapy, Group 2 received a conservative physical therapy. Each therapy was held for 3 times a week, totally, 6 times for two weeks. The tape was used to measure cervical range of motion(ROM) in six areas-flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation, right rotation. 100mm Visual Analogue Scale(100mm VAS) was used to measure the subjective pain level. All measurements of each patient were measured at pre-treatment and 2 weeks post-treatment. The results of this study would be summarized as follow: 1. The manual treatment group has much more recovery than that of conservative physical therapy group in terms of the degree of the ROM improvement showing a significant difference between two groups(p<0.05) 2. The manual treatment group has more recovery than that of the conservative physical therapy group in the improvement of pain(p<0.05).

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.124-133
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of myofascial release and Duoball assisted self-relaxation (DASR) techniques on pain and muscle tension in patients experiencing chronic cervical pain. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study is a randomized controlled experimental study. Eighteen patients with chronic neck pain who met the selection criteria were randomly assigned to myofascial release group and myofascial release group using Duoball. Results: The frequency results for assessment muscle tension showed a decrease of about 10% in the suboccipital muscle, SCM, Pect m, UT, and LS in both the MFR and DASR groups, and the stiffness results showed a decrease in all muscles except the upper trapezius in the MFR group and the DASR group. All were found to decrease by about 10% in the suboccipital muscle, SCM, Pect m, UT, and LS, and the decrement results showed an increase of about 15% in the suboccipital muscle, SCM, Pect m, UT, and LS in both the MFR and DASR groups(p<0.05). Conclusions: In patients experiencing chronic neck pain, application of MFR and duoball assisted self relaxion was shown to be effective on pain and muscle tension. MFR is a non-pharmacological intervention method with few potential side effects and is considered a universal and easily applicable treatment method.

• 국제물리치료학회지
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.1914-1920
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• 2019

Background: Mobilization and cranio-cervical flexion exercise has been reported in reducing pain from cervical part and improving its motor function; also, has been represented that alleviate of neck pain and recover of neck muscles improve the normal gait performance. However, few studies have identified the effects of mobilization and exercise on pain and gait parameters with preceding issues. Objective: To examine the effects or changes of pressure pain threshold (PPT) and gait parameters in patients with chronic neck pain. Design: Cross-Sectional Clinical Trials Methods: Twenty patients with the history of neck pain (>3 months) performed the cervical mobilization and cranio-cervical flexion exercise. Gait parameters were assessed with wireless device and collected data were transmitted to the personal computer via Bluetooth. The PPT was measured posteroanterior direction at the prone position and the mean of subsequent three PPT measurements was used for the final analysis. Results: Both cervical central posteroanterior mobilization (CCPAM) (p<.000) and sling-based cranio-cervical flexion exercise (SBCCFE) (p<.000) group showed a significant increase in the PPT and the gait parameters, cadence (p<.023), was significantly increased in the CCPAM group, however slightly increased in the SBCCFE group. The comparison between the CCPAM and the SBCCFE groups after treatment did not show significant differences for the score on the PPT and gait parameters. Conclusions: This study suggests that CCPAM and SBCCFE increase PPT, cadence, and gait speed.