The effectiveness of manipulation combined with a cervical pillow compared to manipulation alone in the management of mechanical neck pain

Abstract

Neck pain is a common condition that has become a serious health concern. Since there is controversy regarding the most effective management of this condition, further research needs to be executed. The purpose of this investigation was to compare manipulation combined with a cervical pillow to manipulation alone in the management of mechanical neck pain. The rationale behind this, was that manipulation is one of the most common treatments for spinal conditions and has shown significant results in alleviating mechanical neck pain. Cervical pillows have been investigated by various researchers. They have concluded that cervical pillows are effective in treating mechanical neck pain. Thus, using the pillow as an adjunct to manipulation should attain superior results to manipulation alone. This study consisted of 40 patients who were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. The average age of the patients was 34 years old and the average duration of neck pain was pain of greater than 6 months. The patients received 6 treatments over a 4 week period. Group1 were manipulated and given a cervical pillow to sleep on, while group 2 received manipulation alone.