Effects of neural mobilization on respiratory parameters, pain, range of motion, and neck awareness in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background Chronic neck pain (CNP) does not have a direct effect on breathing, but movements are restricted due to pain, and kyphotic posture may make movement of the diaphragm difficult. Objective This study aimed to determine the effects of neural mobilization (NM) on respiratory functionss in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods Overall, 26 patients with CNP were randomly assigned to two groups: NM (10 sessions) or control. In these participants, pain intensity was first assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Next, the active range of motion (ROM) of the cervical joint was measured. Following this, respiratory function was evaluated using spirometry, which included parameters such as Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Finally, neck awareness was assessed using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ). Results There was a significant difference in terms of pain intensity (p < 0.05) and range of motion of the neck joint in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of respiratory function tests (p = 0.001) and neck awareness (p = 0.001). Conclusion The results of our study suggest that the use of NM treatment in addition to conventional physiotherapy in patients with chronic neck pain has beneficial effects on respiratory functions, joint range of motion, pain, and neck awareness.