Scapular Stabilization Exercise versus Neck Stabilization Exercise in Females with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Abstract Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem and reported to be a major health problem worldwide that affects the quality of life. Neck pain is a common phe-nomenon related to Muscle deterioration and scapular dys-function with higher prevalence in females than males. Aim of Study: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of scapular stabilization exercise to neck stabilization exercise on chronic mechanical neck pain. Subjects and Methods: Forty-five female patients with history of chronic neck pain participated in this study. The patients were randomly assigned into three equal groups. Group A (control group) received hot packs, ultrasound, stretching exercises. Group B (Scapular stabilization) received scapular stabilization exercise plus the same control group program. Group C (Neck stabilization) received neck stabili-zation exercise plus the same control group program. The treatment sessions were conducted three times per week every other day for six successive weeks. All subjects assessed for pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and for functional activity using Neck disability index (NDI) and Cervical range of motion device (CROM) before and after treatment. Results: VAS, CROM and NDI parameters improved with all modalities. Post treatment results revealed that there was a significantly superior improvement in pain intensity, disability and functional mobility in the neck stabilization group. Conclusion: Exercise and conventional physical therapy treatment are significantly effective in treating chronic neck pain with superiority of neck stabilization exercise.