• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.69-76
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• 2008

Objectives : The objective of this study was to observe the correlation between Cervical hypolordosis and Neck pain. Methods : Cervical lordosis(Cobb method[C1-C7], Cobb method[C2-C7], Ishihara index) was measured using the sagittal radiograph of the cervical spine and Neck pain(VAS scale, Neck Disability Index) was evaluated. Based on Cobb method[C1-C7], 48 subjects(Cobb method[C1-C7]${\leq}45^{\circ}$) were divided into Hypolordosis group and Normal group. Window version SPSS 12K was used for statistical analysis about correlation between Cervical lordosis and Neck pain, also about difference of the Neck pain between Normal and Hypolordosis group. Results : It was as follows, 1. Cobb method[C1-C7] and Neck pain(VAS scale, NDI) showed a significant correlation coefficient (p<0.05). Ishihara Index and NDI also showed a significant correlation coefficient of -0.297(p=0.040). 2. The VAS scale in the hypolordosis group was $5.62{\pm}2.34$ and that of the normal group was $3.41{\pm}2.01$(p=0.001). The NDI in the hypolordosis group was $2.30{\pm}0.66$ and that of the normal group was $1.81{\pm}0.51$(p=0.007). There was no significant difference in Age, Sex between both group. Conclusions : There was a significant correlation between Cervical hypolordosis and Neck pain. Hypolordosis group complained a severe neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of intervention using neuromuscular control, self-stretching (SS), and neck stabilization exercises (NSEs) on neck pain, range of motion (ROM), and proprioception of position sense in adults with neck discomfort. Design: Three-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Forty-four adults who complained of neck pain participated in the experiment. They were randomly assigned to the following groups: neuromuscular control exercise (NMCE) group (n=15), SS group (n=14) and NSE group (n=15). The NMCE group did rolling with only upper limb pattern on both sides. The SS group performed neck stretching on each side, 3 sets of 30 seconds for each muscle. The NSE group had the pressure biofeedback applied with increases in pressure by 2 mmHg at a time from 20-30 mmHg while in the hook-lying position. All groups performed exercises for 10 minutes. Neck pain, ROM, and proprioception were measured to determine differences between the intervention methods. Results: Intra-group comparisons showed significant improvement after exercise in pain, ROM, and proprioception in the NMC group (p<0.05). In the comparison between groups, the NMC group had a significant decrease in pain compared to the other two groups (p<0.05). There was no difference in ROM between the groups but the NMC group showed significant improvement in left rotation compared to the stabilization exercise group (p<0.05). For proprioception, the NMC group had significantly lower error than the other two groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: NMCEs through upper extremity pattern rolling exercise is effective in improving neck pain, ROM, and proprioception.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of using static surface electromyography (sEMG) on persons with neck pain and in healthy adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Twenty-two female participants with neck pain and thirty healthy adults in the age group of 20-65 years were recruited in this study. To evaluate the validity and reliability of sEMG in subjects with neck pain, the subjects'characteristics were recorded and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were examined in addition to sEMG and algometer tests being carried out on the subjects. The site for using the sEMG and algometer was the upper trapezius. sEMG test-retest reliability was measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Independent t-tests were used to analyze the differences in the dependent variables between subjects with neck pain and healthy adults. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the linear relationship between measured variables. Results: sEMG and algometer tests were reliable according to the test-retest reliability results in subjects with neck pain and healthy adults (ICC=0.815-0.979). The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in respect to age, VAS, sEMG and algometer tests between persons with neck pain and healthy adults (p<0.05). The VAS and NDI were statistically correlated with sEMG and algometer results (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, we investigated the clinical usefulness of the static sEMG test in evaluating the pain scale of persons with neck pain with high reliability and validity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.329-337
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to assess more effective exercise prescription for the people with chronic neck pain by comparing stretching exercise and isometric exercise about strength and pain. Method : The research design of the study was that 20 young adults with mild neck disability (5-14 out of 50 in Neck Disability Index) were randomized into 2 groups and underwent stretching exercise(10 peoples) and isometric exercise(10 peoples) at 3 times a week for 5weeks. Measures of pain scale (Visual Analog Scale) and Muscle strength of deep neck flexor (Pressure Biofeedback) were assessed before and after intervention. The pre and post exercise results were compared using paired t-test and the effectiveness of intervention of two groups were compared using Independent t test. Results : The results of this study were that pain reduction was seen after stretching and isometric exercise and significantly difference. There was significantly improvement of cervical flexor strength after stretching and isometric exercise. But, there was no significant difference between stretching and isometric exercise groups. Conclusion : The stretching and isometric exercise for chronic neck pain patients may use according to preference of patient because the effects of treatment was same. Further studies are needed to analyzed psycho social factors, cost effects, group approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.231-235
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• 2015

Objective : Degenerative changes in the cervical spine are commonly accompanied by cervical kyphosis which can cause neck pain. This study examined the relationship between neck pain and cervical alignment. Methods : A total of 323 female nursing staff from our hospital were enrolled. Sagittal radiographs of the cervical spine, Body Mass Index (BMI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measures of neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36 scores) were obtained and reviewed retrospectively. Global lordosis (GL) of the cervical spine was measured on radiograph images. Correlations between GL and questionnaire scores were investigated using the following three methods : 1) correlation between GL and questionnaire scores among the entire sample; 2) subgroup analysis of patients with "kyphosis (KYP) : GL scores<0" vs. those with "lordosis (LOR) : GL scores>0" on questionnaire measures; and 3) subgroup analysis of patients with pain vs. those without pain, on GL and questionnaire measures. Results : There was no significant correlation between GL and any questionnaire measure. There was a significant difference between the mean GLs of the KYP and LOR groups, but there were no group differences in BMI, age or any questionnaire measures. There was no difference between the pain (n=92) and pain-free (n=231) groups in age, BMI or GL, but there were differences in neck, and arm pain, and physical function and NDI scores. Conclusions : Our data suggest that kyphotic deformity was not associated with neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.58-68
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the effect of lower trapezius muscle strengthening exercises on pain, neck disability index (NDI), cervical range of motion (ROM), and lower trapezius muscle strength in patients with unilateral neck pain. Following baseline measurements, the subjects (N=40) with unilateral neck pain were randomized into one of two 5 weeks exercise intervention groups: a experimental group (EG, $n_1=20$) that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles or a control group (CG, $n_2=20$) that received routine physical therapy program. Each group participated in the intervention for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks. All participants performed 2 repetitions of each intervention per day. The numeric pain rating scale for pain, NDI, ROM, and lower trapezius strength were recorded both pre- and post-intervention for both groups. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes post-intervention compared with pre-intervention and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the 2 groups. After the 5-weeks intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased pain and disability level (p<.05) and significantly increased cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation ROM (p<.05). The EG that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles showed greater improvements in pain and functional disability level, cervical rotation, and lower trapezius strength than the CG (p<.05). These results suggest that a lower trapezius strengthening exercises reduce neck pain and neck disability level and enhance cervical ROM and lower trapezius strength level in patients with unilateral neck pain.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1117-1122
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• 2018

Study Design: Prospective study. Purpose: To assess the prevalence of periodontoid calcification and its associations with acute cervical pain. Overview of Literature: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease is a common rheumatological disorder that occurs especially in elderly patients. Although CPPD crystals induce acute arthritis, these crystals are not usually symptomatic. Calcification surrounding the odontoid process (periodontoid calcification) has been reported to induce inflammation, resulting in acute neck pain. This disease is called crowned dens syndrome. Whether calcification induces inflammation or whether the crystals are symptomatic remains unclear. Methods: The prevalence of periodontoid calcification at the atlas transverse ligament was examined by computed tomography of the upper cervical spine in patients suspected of brain disease but no cervical pain (control group, n=296), patients with pseudogout of the peripheral joints but no cervical pain (arthritis group, n=41), and patients with acute neck pain (neck pain group, n=22). Next, the correlation between the prevalence of periodontoid calcification and symptoms was analyzed. Results: In the control group, 40 patients (13.5%) showed periodontoid calcification with no significant difference in the prevalence with gender. The prevalence of calcification increased significantly with age (p=0.002). In the arthritis group, 26 patients (63.4%) reported periodontoid calcification. In the neck pain group, 14 patients (63.6%) reported periodontoid calcification. Multiple logistic regression analysis by age and group revealed that higher age, inclusion in the arthritis group, and inclusion in the neck pain group significantly affected the prevalence of calcification. Conclusions: Our results cumulatively suggest that periodontoid calcification is an aging-related reaction and that calcification per se does not always cause neck pain. Periodontoid calcification was observed more frequently in patients with pseudogout of the peripheral joints and in those with acute neck pain than in asymptomatic control patients.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2000

Purpose : Posterior Neck Pain and Back Pain are common diseases in human daily life. For reducting symptom and treatment of these diseases, many methods have been used and studied until now. The mechanisms of Ceragem Master Heat Bed(R)(Ceragem Co. Seoul, Korea) are infrared-heat therapy from natural nephrite and pressure therapy by up-down movement of natural nephrite ball. Through this study, authors would evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Ceragem Master Heat Bed(CMHB) on relieving posterior neck pain and back pain. Materials and methods : From 12-01-2000 to 01-13-2001, posterior neck pain and back pain patients were selected for experiment group(23patients) and control group(14patients). In both group, Visual Analog Scale(VAS) of pre-treatment stage is above 5 points. Experiment group were cared with acupuncture therapy, buhang therapy and CMHB. Control group were managed with only acupuncture therapy and buhang therapy. They were treated more than three times at least. At pre-treatment and post-treatment stage, we measured VAS for individual patients, and then compared effect of treatment in experiment group and in control group. Statistical analysis was preformed using SAS program. Results : In this study, a mean difference of VAS between pre-treatment and post-treatment stage was large in experiment(CMHB) group more than in control group(p〈0.01). Conclusion : Experiment(CMHB) group was more effective pain relief than control group in the treatment of posterior neck pain and back pain. CMHB was available for stimultaneous application of heat therapy and pressure massage together that gave another effects of mental stability and fatigue recovery. As the results of this study, CMHB could be used as a helpful treatment modality for posterior neck pain and back pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.42-56
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• 2019

Background: Individuals with mechanical neck pain show biomechanical and neurophysiological changes, including cervical spine muscle weakness. As a result of deep muscle weakness, it causes stability disability and reduced upper thoracic spine mobility, which finally leads to functional movement restriction such as limited range of motion and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that thoracic spine manipulation and mobilization could reduce symptoms of mechanical neck pain in patients. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic mobility exercise on cervicothoracic function, posture feature, and pain intensity in individuals with mechanical neck pain. Methods: The study subjects were 26 persons who were randomly assigned to the experimental (with thoracic mobility exercise) and control groups (without thoracic mobility exercise), with 13 subjects in each group. The cervicothoracic function (neck functional disability level and cervicothoracic range of motion), posture feature, and pain rating (using a quadrupled visual analogue scale [QVAS]) were measured before, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks. Results: Statistically significant group-by-time interactions were found with repeated analyses of variance for the Korean neck disability index (KNDI), all cervical range of motion (CROM), all thoracic range of motion (TROM), cranial rotation angle, sagittal shoulder posture (SSP), and QVAS (p<.05). All groups showed significant improvements from all times in all the evaluated methods. The KNDI, CROM, TROM of left rotation, and SSP in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 3 weeks, and the TROM of the right rotation and QVAS in the experimental group showed significant improvements after 6 weeks when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Thoracic mobility exercise during 6 weeks might be effective intervention to improve the functional level, posture feature, and QVAS pain rating for managing individuals with mechanical neck pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.57-67
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• 2021

Objectives To observe the pain reduction effect of Korean medical treatment combined with supine JS cervical therapy on neck pain and headache caused by whiplash injury. Methods The medical records of 30 patients suffering from neck pain and headache caused by traffic accidents from August 1, 2020 to October 30, 2020 were studied. 15 patients receiving supine JS cervical therapy combined with Korean medical treatment were assigned to group A and another 15 patients receiving Korean medical treatment but without Chuna therapy were assigned to group B. The following patient data were analyzed retrospectively - age, sex, and number of admission days, neck pain and headache visual analogue scale (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI). Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS 25.0. for Windows. A p-value≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results Both neck pain and headache VAS score in group A and B showed a statistically significant decrease. The changes in neck pain and headache VAS score in group A was statistically significant higher compared to those of group B. NDI in group A showed a statistically significant decrease, but NDI in group B did not decreased statistically significant. Conclusions Korean medicine treatment effectively reduces neck pain and headache. Especially, the pain reduction effect is better in patients receiving Korean medicine treatment combined with supine JS cervical therapy than in those receiving Korean medicine treatment without supine JS cervical therapy.