Correlation of Intensity of Pain, Functional Disability and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance in Individual with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal deficits of the craniocervical region play an important role in causing various cervical disorders. Cervical disorders and neck pain are almost as prevalent as low back pain and like low back pain; in most of the cases it is difficult to determine the actual cause of neck pain hence it is regarded as “non-specific neck pain”. This study was conducted to determine the correlation between deep neck flexor endurance, the intensity of pain, and functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on twenty individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT) were used to measure neck pain intensity, neck disability, and deep neck flexor endurance respectively. The correlation was found using the Pearson Correlation Coefficient test. Result: The results showed that there was a positive correlation found between NPRS and NDI, and CCFT has negative correlations with NPRS and NDI respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the lesser deep neck flexor endurance corresponded to greater neck pain intensity and disability. Keywords: cervical spine, neck disability index, neck pain, craniocervical flexion test, deep neck flexors endurance, correlation.