Effect of Global Postural Re-Education and Static Stretching on Pain and Disability in Women with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain- A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Women are more likely to develop and suffer from chronic non specific neck pain than men.
Cervical muscle imbalance is considered an important factor to cause chronic non specific neck pain and
disabilities during work, sport or daily activities. GPR is an option to manage postural deviations, treating
aches and pains. The principal aim is to restore correct alignment of posture and re-establish body mechanics
of the body movement to treat or prevent musculoskeletal problems.
Objective: To Compare the effect of GPR and Static stretching on pain and disability in women with chronic
non-specific neck pain.
Methods: 64 female patients with chronic non-specific neck pain aged 18 to 35 years were randomly divided
into two equal groups: GPR group and Static Stretching group. Both groups also received conventional
therapy. Patients were evaluated before and after 4 week intervention for pain intensity (by means VAS), and
for disability (by means of NDI). The treatment program consisted 3 sessions of 1-hour individual per week
for 4 weeks. Data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of p<0.05.
Conclusion: Statistically significant reduction in VAS and NDI were observed after 4 week intervention
in both groups. However there were no significant differences observed between groups in this outcome
measures. Global postural Re-education and Static stretching, in association to conventional therapy, were
equally effective in reducing pain and disability in women with chronic non specific neck pain.