Evaluation of effectiveness Postisometric Muscle Relaxation and Classical Massage in the Treatment of Neck Pain Syndromes

Ailments located in the cervical spine are a serious clinical problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Postisometric Relaxation (PIR) and Classical Massage (CM) in analgesic therapy in patients with neck chronic increased muscle tension.Material and methods: The study was carried out in a group of 36 adults (mean age 49.5±8.59 years, 29 women) with neck increased muscle tension due to overload changes. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The therapy consisted of 10 PIR or CM procedures. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), NDI (Neck Disability Index), SF-MPQ (McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form by Melzack) were used. The trigger points were assessed and the mobility of the cervical spine was measured.Results: A statistically significant reduction in pain was obtained in both groups (improvement in the PIR group: 70%±29, CM 55%±27). In the PIR group, trigger points were completely eliminated in 50% of subjects and in the CM group in 38.9%. There was a statistically significant reduction in the NDI in both groups (improvement in the PIR group 70%±26, CM 48%±29). In both groups, a statistically significant increase in the mobility of the cervical spine in all directions was observed (extension, lateral flexion and rotation were statistically significantly better in the PIR group).Conclusions: PIR and CM statistically significantly reduce pain, improve health, effectively eliminate trigger points and increase the mobility of the cervical spine. PIR better increases the range of extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine.