Exercises conquer that chronic pain in the neck
30 May 2003
Endurance and strength training programmes can reduce chronic neck pain and disability in office workers, Finnish researchers have found.
The programmes also significantly improved neck function, including neck strength and range of motion, compared with aerobic and stretching exercises alone.
'An important practical observation was that long-term benefits could be obtained by training as infrequently as twice a week,' the researchers wrote (Journal of the American Medical Association 2003; 289: 2509-16).
The 12-month study included 180 female office workers aged 25 to 53 years with chronic, non-specific neck pain.
Each was randomly assigned to one of 3 treatment groups: an endurance training group (dynamic neck exercises such as lifting the head up when lying face down or on the back), a strength training group (high-intensity isometric neck strengthening and stabilisation exercises with an elastic band) or a control group (aerobic and stretching exercises only).
The endurance and strength training groups also performed exercises for the trunk, shoulders, arms and legs, and completed aerobic and stretching exercises 3 times a week.
'The [training groups] also did a 12-day institutional rehab programme, had some multi-modal rehab that included relaxation and ergonomic support, and had 4 sessions of physiotherapy including massage and mobilisation,' said Dr Scott Masters, vice-president of the Australian Association of Musculoskeletal Medicine.
He added that: 'This is quite a lot to ask people to do, and there is a cost factor associated with the physical therapy. So it wouldn't be easy to do the exact programme.'
Instead, a home exercise programme that included behavioural support would be useful treatment for motivated patients, Dr Masters said.
Last Reviewed: 02 June 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 30/5/03
