Comparison of methodologies in degenerative changes of the cervical spine

Summary

The cervical spine is the most mobile part of the spine. It allows movements in all directions of a large range. Recently, the number of younger patients with degenerative changes in this region has been increasing. The accompanying sign is the presence of pain, limitation of the range of mobility, muscular imbalance. However, with targeted physiotherapy it is possible to influence the pain and functional changes. We investigated the possibilities of influencing the range of motion of the cervical spine by selected physiotherapeutic methods and to map the effectiveness of the selected methodologies. We conducted the study through a monthly clinical survey. The inclusion criteria for patients were sedentary occupation and cervical spine pain. The cohort consisted of 34 patients divided into three groups. At the beginning and end of the survey, we evaluated the Fleche-Forestier. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization in the first group, postisometric and antigravity relaxation in the second group, and the McKenzie method in the third group. We found the most significant improvement in the third group in Fleche-Forestiere measurement, anteflexion and retroflexion. The differences in lateroflexion and rotation values were negligible. The treatment according to McKenzie appears to be an effective method in improving range and function of the cervical spine.

Keywords:

pain – vertebrogenic diseases – dynamic neuromuscular stabilization – postisometric and antigravity relaxation – McKenzie concept