Effect of Scapular Stabilisation Exercises on Chronic Neck Pain among Precision Workers – A Randomised Control Trial

Author: Senthilkumar M., Ramya K., Prabhakaradoss D., Mallika S. and Baskaran A.

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Abstract

Chronic neck pain is a commonly occurring musculoskeletal strain that occurs among precision workers (skilled workers working in the field of silver and gold jewellery manufacturing). This is mainly due to their work nature that demands forward bending of head and neck for extended time. The major postural change is identified as Forward Head Posture that causes muscular imbalance both in cervical spine and shoulder. Physiotherapy treatment aims at reducing the muscular imbalance and correcting the posture. This study was conducted among 34 male participants from Shevapet, (an area well known for jewellery business), Salem and evaluates the effect of commonly used thermotherapy and scapular stabilization exercises for a period of 2 weeks in reducing the chronic neck pain and restoring normal posture among the precision workers. The outcome measures of the study are pain, pressure threshold and posture assessed through Northwick Park Pain questionnaire, Neck Disability Index and Cranio Vertebral angle. The study revealed a significant reduction in Neck Pain and CV angle in the group that received scapular stabilization exercises. The authors suggest that correction of FHP is critical and primary for any treatment that aims to reduce chronic neck pain among precision workers. There were challenges in reaching the subjects if they were absent at the work place. The authors had to call on their number to and check with them. But the subjects were willing to take the intervention on the following day of their leave.

Keywords

Chronic Neck Pain, Forward Head Posture, Neck Exercise, Scapular exercises, Neck Disability

Conclusion

The results of the study make us conclude that the scapular stabilisation exercises reduce chronic neck pain among precision workers than the conventional cervical exercises whose job nature demands prolonged bending of neck.

References

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How to cite this article

Senthilkumar M., Ramya K., Prabhakaradoss D., Mallika S. and Baskaran A. (2023). Effect of Scapular Stabilisation Exercises on Chronic Neck Pain among Precision Workers – A Randomised Control Trial. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1256-1260.