Effect of Tuina Combined with Traditional Chinese Exercise on Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the effect of Tuina combined with Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on nonspecific chronic neck pain (NCNP). Methods 80 eligible patients were recruited in our hospital from October, 2014 to October, 2015. They were randomized to observation group (n=40) and control group (n=40). The observation group received Tuina combined with TCE, and the control group re-ceived intermittent cervical traction, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before, immediately after intervention, and at 1 month follow-up. Results 77 patients completed the treatment and follow-up. The scores of VAS and NDI significantly decreased after a 2-week intervention (t>9.330, P8.338, P<0.01). The NDI score was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1-month follow-up (F=9.053, P=0.004). Conclusion Tuina combined with TCE could relieve pain and improve cervical function in patients with NCNP, which was superior to inter-mittent cervical traction.