Abstract
M.Tech.
This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Chiropractic cervicothoracic spinal
adjustment therapy in the treatment of active Trapezius myofascial trigger point
dysfunction.
Thirty participants were recruited and placed into one of two groups. Participants were
between the ages of 18 and 30 years and selected based on the inclusion criteria being
met. Participants had to present with active upper Trapezius trigger points and a restriction
of the cervicothoracic junction. The experimental group received a Chiropractic adjustment
to the cervicothoracic junction and the control group received detuned ultrasound as their
respective treatments.
The participants were treated six times over a 3-week period and measurements were
taken on the first, fourth and seventh visits. A case history, physical examination and
cervical regional examination were conducted at the first visit. Objective measurements
included pressure algometry readings of Trapezius trigger points 1 and 2 and cervical
spine goniometry readings. Subjective measurements included the Vernon Mior Pain
Disability Index and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale.
The results were interpreted by Statcon at the University of Johannesburg. The data was
analysed using the Mann Whitney test and the Friedman test. According to the tests, the
experimental group improved significantly in both the objective and subjective
measurements over the seven visits. The control group showed an increase in the
objective measurements and a decrease in the subjective measurements over the seven
visits. This was found to be statistically insignificant.
This study concluded that a Chiropractic adjustment to the cervicothoracic junction is effective in the treatment of upper Trapezius trigger points