Abstract
M.Tech.
Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects
of
Chiropractic manipulative therapy of
the cervical spine in conjunction with SpiderTech therapy in the treatment of chronic neck
pain with regards to pain, disability and cervical spine range of motion.
Method: This study consisted of two groups of 15 participants between the ages of
eighteen and forty, ensuring equal male to female and age ratios. The potential
participants were examined and accepted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The method of treatment administered to each participant was determined by group
allocation. Group 1 received chiropractic manipulative therapy to restriction(s) of the cervical
spine, with the SpiderTech Neck Spider applied to the posterior aspect of the neck. Group
received chiropractic manipulative therapy to restriction(s) of the cervical spine only.
Procedure: Treatment consisted of 6 treatment sessions with an additional follow up
consultation, with two consultations being performed per week interval. Subjective data
and objective data was taken at the beginning of the first, fourth and seventh sessions. The
subjective data collected was in the form of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale and a Vernon-
Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index. Objective data consisted of cervical spine range of
motion readings taken using a Cervical Range of Motion measuring instrument (CROM).
Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. The Chiropractic manipulative
techniques used were based on restrictions identified during motion palpation and were
applied at the first six consultations, with the seventh consultation consisting of data
gathering only.
Results: Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with reference
to pain and disability, and in group 1 and group 2 with reference to cervical spine range of
motion. Clinically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the
duration of the study with reference to pain, disability and cervical spine range of motion.
However, the combined treatment group (group 1) had a clinically greater effect than that
of the manipulation only group.
Conclusion: The results show that both Chiropractic manipulative therapy, as well as
Chiropractic manipulation in conjunction with the SpiderTech Neck Spider are effective
treatment protocols in decreasing pain and disability and increasing cervical spine range of
motion in patients with chronic neck pain. However, neither treatment protocol proved to be
preferential. When compared to Chiropractic manipulative therapy alone, SpiderTech
therapy in conjunction with Chiropractic manipulative therapy has a clinically larger effect
on neck pain, disability and range of motion of the cervical spine.