Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

10.30476/jrsr.2024.96622.1317

Abstract

Background: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP) is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder. Central sensitization (CS) of pain is probably the reason for the persistence or relapse of pain cycles in CNP patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) added to conventional physical therapy on pain intensity, CS, and quality of life in patients with CNP who have CS.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, twenty-five patients with CNP who have CS, participated in a 4 weeks intervention program including conventional physical therapy plus PNE. CS, pain intensity and quality of life were assessed with CS inventory, visual analog scale (VAS), and SF-36 respectively. All the subjects were evaluated before and after 12 (three times a week) sessions of the intervention.
Results: The results of the present study showed that after the intervention, the pain intensity and CS decreased (pain intensity: mean difference = -58.96±16.35, Effect Size = - 3.61, CS: mean difference = -25.52±7.25, Effect Size = - 3.52) and the quality-of-life score increased (mean difference = 24.04±12.50, Effect Size = 1.92) significantly. Also, the quality of life score was significantly correlated with age.
Conclusion: It seems that adding PNE to conventional physical therapy is more effective than conventional physical therapy alone in patients with CNP in improving CS, pain intensity, and quality of life.
 
 

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