Effekt av cervical manipulasjon på to pasienter med akutte og subakutte mekaniske smerter i nakken

Background: Manual Therapy interventions in terms of mobilization and manipulation of the cervical spine are often implemented in the treatment of acute and sub acute neck pain. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence related to which treatment is most effective. There are studies showing the effect on neck pain and function by manipulation of joints in the neck. Problem: What effect does the manipulation of the cervical spine has in pain and function for two patients with acute and sub acute mechanical neck pain? Material and methods: The study is a quantitative experimental study, carried out as an A1-A2-B Single Subject Experimental Design (SSED). Two participants were included. The study lasted for a total of 10 weeks. It consisted of baseline (A1), intervention (B) and follow-up (A2). The intervention consisted of 2 treatments per week over 3 weeks, a total of six treatments. Measuring instruments used were Pain Numeric Rating Scale for pain, Neck Disability Index for the function and cervical goniometry to measure active range of motion in the neck. Results: For one patient there was a reduction in pain and increased active movement in the cervical spine from baseline to follow-up. Both results were clinically meaningful change. For the second patient had less pain but active movement of the neck was almost unchanged. There was not change enough that it can be said to be clinically meaningful change. On scores of function there was little change for both patients. Conclusion: This study cannot conclude that manual therapy treatment given here that manipulation of the cervical spine has an effect on pain and function for two patients with acute and sub acute mechanical neck pain. The results show a tendency in the direction of the manipulation reduces pain and improves movement active in the cervical spine for two patients with acute and sub acute mechanical neck pain