• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.21-28
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• 2014

Objectives : Lumbar disc herniations are common conditions which induce severe pain and disability. We assessed the clinical effectiveness of Korean medical combination treatment. Methods : This is an observational study. We reviewed the medical records of 46 patients with lumbar disc herniations, who attended intensive Korean medical combination treatments at Mokhuri Neck and Back Hospital, Korea during March, 2012 to October, 2012. All the patients took combination treatments of acupuncture, Chuna and herbal medicines during the hospitalization treatments. Zero to ten pain numerating rating scale(NRS) of pain and SF-36 were assessed before and after treatments. Results : During the period, 46 patients with lumbar disc herniation participated in the treatments, respectively. Average admission duration were 20.32 days(SD 9.67) in lumbar disc patients. For lumbar patients, low back pain NRS decreased from $5.84{\pm}2.58$ to $2.12{\pm}1.74$(p<0.001) and radiating pain from $6.25{\pm}2.30$ to $2.59{\pm}1.97$(p<0.001). Total SF-36 score increased significantly after treatment in lumbar disc patients(p<0.001). Conclusions : Korean medical combination treatment might be effective in reducing pain and improving life quality of patients with lumbar disc herniation.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.261-267
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• 2023

Forward head posture (FHP) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes neck pain. Several exercise interventions have been used in South Korea to improve craniovertebral angle (CVA) and relieve neck pain. There has been no domestic literature review study over the past 5 years that has investigated trends and effects of exercise intervention methods for CVA with neck pain. This domestic literature review aimed to evaluate the trends and effects of exercise interventions on CVA and neck pain in persons with FHP. A review of domestic literature published in Korean or English language between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and Korea Citation Index by using the following keywords: "exercise," "exercise therapy," "exercise program," "forward head posture," and "neck pain." Ten studies were included in this review. All of the studies showed positive improvements after intervention programs that included exercises. Notably, four of these studies demonstrated significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Among the 10 studies, nine measured visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale scores and reported significant reductions in pain following interventions, including exercise programs. Five of these studies showed significant differences in results between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, six studies that used neck disability index exhibited a significant decrease in symptoms after implementing intervention programs that included exercise, and significant differences in results were found between the experimental and control groups. This domestic literature review provides consistent evidence to support the application of various exercise intervention programs to improve CVA and relieve neck pain from FHP. Further studies are warranted to review the effects of various exercise interventions on FHP reported not only in domestic but also in international literature.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Purpose: The main causes of chronic neck pain (CNP) are wrong postures and degenerative changes. This study investigated the effects of specific exercise on elderly women with CNP. Methods: 29 elderly women who complain of CNP were classified into experimental group (14) and control group (15). The experimental group was treated with specific exercise and minimal conventional therapy, whereas the control group was treated only with conventional therapy. Then the effects on the visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), Korean form of geriatric depression scale (KGDS), and range of motion (ROM) were compared between the two groups. Results: The experimental group showed significantly improved results in VAS, NDI, SAS, KGDS, and ROM after intervention (p<0.05), as did the control group (p<0.05). The comparison of changes in the experimental group before and after intervention showed superior results in the SAS, NDI, and ROM (flexion, rotation, lat. flexion) results when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Specific exercise is effective in the improvement of SAS, NDI, and ROM for elderly women with CNP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.91-96
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• 2010

Purpose: Among computer users, the awkward posture and workstation setups of workers contribute to work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a traditional physical therapy and ergonomic intervention by physical therapists in 4 computer users. Methods: After checking Visual Analogue Scores (VAS), four subjects who were treated by physical therapy for neck and shoulder problems related to VDT syndrome were enrolled in the study. All subjects spent at least 40 hours per week at a computer workstation. All subjects had pain and ergonomic states evaluated using methods such as VAS, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Workstyle short form, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and OSHA VDT checklist (Occupational Safety and Health Administration video display terminal) before a physical therapy + ergonomic intervention. Participants were re-evaluated 1 month later. Results: Participants showed more improvement of their neck pain after being treated with a physical therapy plus ergonomic intervention than when treatment consisted only of physical therapy. Improvements in RULA, Workstyle short form, and OSHA VDT checklist also were achieved. Conclusion: This case study suggests the importance of examining the work habits and work-related postures of subjects who complain of neck and shoulder pain that is exacerbated by computer use. Personalized ergonomic interventions and physical therapy can lead to improvement of patients with VDT syndrome.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.175-180
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• 2015

The Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is characterized by congenital fusion of two or more vertebrae with hypermobile normal segment. According to this, a patient with KFS can be at risk of severe neurological symptoms after manipulation treatment. We had a KFS patient who suffered from neck pain and limited range of motion at cervical after manipulation treatment. The patient, 49-year-old woman was diagnosed as KFS through Cervical X-ray and MRI. The patient was treated by acupuncture therapy and SCENAR therapy. We measured neck pain by visual analog scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) and checked range of motion at cervical before and after the treatments. After 8 times treatments, the patient's pain decreased and the range of motion increased. From this case, we can recognize the risk of Chuna manipulation treatment for KFS patient. So, we suggest that radiological examination is needed before cervical Chuna manipulation treatment to avoid adverse reactions.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.55-66
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• 2005

목적 : 본 연구는 경미한 경부 통증을 가진 대상자의 경부 운동감각과 경부 통증과 기능에 대하여 조사하였다. 방법 : 본 연구의 대상자는 자발적으로 참여한 81명의 (나이 18-30세, 평균 23.2) 건강한 대학생으로 구성되었으며, 측정은 경부운동감각과 통증 및 기능에 대하여 측정하였다. 경부운동감각은 편안히 앉은 자세에서, 경부 후인과 좌우 회전의 중간 관절 범위에서 대상자의 두부에 착용하지 않는 기구를 사용하여 측정하였다. 경부 통증과 기능은 가장 흔히 쓰이는 4가지 설문지를 한국어로 번역하고 문화적으로 적응하는 과정을 거쳐 사용하였다. 결과 : 대상자들을 경부 통증 빈도에 따라 세 집단으로 (통증 없음, 월별, 주별) 구분하였다. 각 집단간에는 4가지 설문지로 조사한 경부통증과 기능에는 차이를 보이지 않았으나, 경부운동감각은 통증 빈도가 높을수록 더 민감하게 나타났다 결론 : 경부 운동감각은 편안히 앉은 자세에서 경부 후인과 좌 우회전의 중간 관절범위에서 측정하였으며, 경미한 경부 통증 빈도가 높을수록 경부 운동감각은 더 민감하게 나타났다.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.25-34
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• 2022

Background: Cervical headache (CGH) is a common condition that causes serious damage. Mulligan described a sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) as a manual therapy approach to treat this dysfunction. Although there have been several case studies to evaluate the effectiveness of SNAG, the efficacy of SNAG for cervical headaches is still controversial. Therefore, this study examined the effects of Mulligan's SNAG technique on cervical headache and pain intensity to present basic clinical data. Methods: Thirty-two subjects participated in this study, 16 each in the experimental and control groups. The experimental group applied Mulligan's SNAGs technique and the control group applied the placebo SNAGs technique. Results: Significant differences (p<.05) in the changes in pain, neck disability index (NDI) and Hamilton rating scale for depression (HRSD) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: The application of Mulligan's SNAG technique to patients with cervical headaches effectively reduced headache, depression, and neck dysfunction. Based on this study, Mulligan's SNAGs technique can be used as an objective research method for additional studies targeting cervical headache patients in the future.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2014

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is the result of cervical nerve root pathology that may lead to chronic pain and disability. Although manual therapy interventions including cervical traction and neural mobilization have been advocated to decrease pain and disability caused by cervical radiculopathy, their analgesic effect has been questioned due to the low quality of research evidence. The purpose of this paper is to present the effect of manual therapy on pain, ROM, disability in a patient experiencing cervical radiculopathy. Methods: In this study, 30 participants who met the diagnostic criteria for cervical radiculopathy were randomized into two groups: group I (nerve mobilization group) & group II (Mckenzie exercise group). The experimental group was performed manual cervical traction and neural mobilization technique. The control group was performed manual cervical traction and cervical retraction, extension exercise. Assessments were performed to 30 participants before and after 4 weeks therapy. The components of assessments were pain intensity (PI), cervical rotation ROM (CR) and neck disability index (NDI). Results: After 4 weeks therapy, PI, CR and NDI were significantly reduced in both groups (p<.01). The PI, CR and NDI were no significantly reduced between group I and group II (p>.01). Conclusions: Manual therapy could reduce the symptoms of cervical radiculotpathy.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2010

Cervical disc herniations can press on the spinal cord and cause a problem called cervical myelopathy. The most common symptom of cervical disc herniation is neck pain that spreads down to the upper limb in various locations. There can also be associated with weakness and movement disorders of upper limb. In Oriental medicine, cervical disc herniation is treated with herb-med, physical therapy, acupuncture, Chuna, etc, but the Bee Venom therapy is the most common and effective. In this case, we used the Bee Venom therapy at cervical hyeopcheokhyeol for about 2 months to a patient who was diagnosed with disc herniation at Cervical 5-6, 6-7 and appealed weakness, limited elevation and abduction of the left upper limb. As a result, left upper limb disability was improved. Using the Bee Venom therapy at cervical hyeopcheokhyeol that are effective on movement disorders and neurological diseases of upper limb is an effective treatment to upper limb disability diagnosed with cervical disc herniation, and suggests the direction of the treatment to upper limb weakness and movement disorders diagnosed with cervical disc herniation.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.127-135
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of treatment with Sacro-Occipital Technique block on musculoskeletal pain caused by traffic accident by analysis of the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), Neck Disability Index(NDI), Pain Disability Index(PDI), Oswestry Low back Pain Disability Index(ODI) and Short Form - McGill Pain Qusetionnaire (SF-MPQ). Methods : This study carried out on 18 patients who have received hospital treatment in Daejeon Univ. Dun-San Oriental Hospital. Control group got acupunture-therapy, herbal medication, physical therapy and Experimental group got all the therapies and treatment with Sacro-Occipital Technique block. We measured VAS, NDI, PDI, ODI and SF-MPQ on 1st day and 7 days later. Results : After being treated by our methods, Both group were improved in VAS, NDI, PDI, ODI, and SF-MPQ. Especially, Experimental group was significantly meaningful improved in VAS, PDI, and ODI. Control group was significantly meaningful improved in VAS and SF-MPQ. But, differences between control and experimental group were nonsignificant. Conclusions : The results suggest that treatment with Sacro-Occipital Technique block is not significantly meaningful but gives a positive impact on musculoskeletal pain caused by traffic accident. But further long term study in a large scale is needed.