Abstract
M.Tech.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the application of soft tissue massage to the posterior neck muscles before, and after, chiropractic adjustment to the cervical spine in the treatment of cervical facet syndrome. To determine the most effective treatment protocol; the patient‟s perceptions and objective findings were used. These findings were assessed by completing a Visual Analogue Scale, a McGill Pain Questionnaire and a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index, and measuring the cervical spine range of motion using a Cervical Range of Motion goniometer. The questionnaires were completed and the ROM readings taken prior to treatment on the first, fourth and seventh visits.
Method: Forty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two different groups of twenty each. One group received soft tissue massage to the posterior neck musculature prior to the application of chiropractic adjustments to the subluxations of the cervical spine. The second group received the chiropractic adjustments to subluxations of the cervical spine that was followed by soft tissue massage to the posterior neck. Treatment took place over a period of three weeks, and participants were treated six times out of a total of seven visits.
Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the first and fourth visit prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh visit by means of a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire as well as a Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index to assess pain and disability levels. Objective data was collected at the first and fourth visit prior to treatment, and at the seventh visit by means of a Cervical Range of Motion goniometer (C.R.O.M.). Data collected was analysed by STATCON.
Results: Both groups improved well over time subjectively and objectively but none more superior. Statistically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the duration of the study with regards to pain, disability, and cervical spine range of motion.