Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The aim of this study was to look at the effectiveness of massage with MYO₂ gel
in conjunction with Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) for the treatment of patients with
posterior mechanical neck pain, with regards to pain, disability and cervical spine range of
motion. The effect of these treatments was evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index
Questionnaire, and by measuring cervical spine range of motion using a cervical range of
motion (CROM) measuring device.
Method: 30 participants with posterior mechanical neck pain were randomly divided into
two groups based on the order they start the study in. Group A – control group, received
SMT to the cervical spine, followed by massage with ultrasound gel over the upper
trapezius muscle and the area of the posterior neck musculature. Group B – experimental
group, received SMT of the cervical spine, followed by massage with MYO₂ gel over the
upper trapezius muscle and the area of the posterior neck musculature. Participants were
treated six times out of a total of seven sessions, over a maximum three week period.
Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth and seventh
consultations. This was done by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Vernon-
Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire in order to assess pain and disability
levels. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first, fourth session, and
seventh consultation by means of measuring cervical spine range of motion using a
cervical range of motion (CROM) measuring device. Analysis of collected data was
performed by a statistician from STATKON; a department of the University of
Johannesburg.
Results: When comparing the VAS of the initial with the final consultation it showed a
statistically significant difference in both groups. This indicated that both interventions were
effective in decreasing the perceived level of neck pain (VAS score). When comparing the
Neck Pain and Disability Index of the initial with the final consultation it showed a
statistically significant difference in both groups. This indicated that both interventions were
effective in decreasing neck pain and disability of the cervical spine. When comparing the
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) of the initial consultation with the final consultation it showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups in all directions of motion.
Both groups resulted in an increase in range of motion over time. Group B had a greater
average CROM percentage increase of 28.60% average compared to Group A which had
an average percentage increase of 22.25%.