Prevalence Of Cervical Movement System Impairment Subgroups In Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain

Abstract

Introduction

Neck pain is a major global health concern, ranking 11th among causes of disability worldwide according to the Global Burden of Disease (2016), with an annual prevalence exceeding 30%. Approximately 10% of adults experience neck pain daily, and 50%–70% will encounter it at least once in their lifetime, particularly among middle-aged individuals. The multifactorial origins of mechanical neck pain (MNP), involving structural and functional dysfunctions of the cervical and thoracic spine, classify it as nonspecific. Effective management of MNP requires targeted interventions and patient education regarding posture and ergonomics, as highlighted by recent studies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical movement system impairment (MSI) syndrome subgroups in individuals with MNP.

Materials and Methods

The study was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 established the interrater reliability of the MSI-based assessment tool. In Phase 2, 160 participants aged 18–55 years with nonspecific neck pain persisting for more than 3 months were recruited using convenience sampling. Individuals with cervical disc pathology, prior cervical surgery, scoliosis, or neurological disorders were excluded. Baseline assessments categorized participants into MSI subgroups. The prevalence of each subgroup was calculated using percentage analysis.

Results

Cervical MSI syndromes were present in 86.25% of participants with MNP. The most prevalent subgroup was cervical extension rotation syndrome (CERS; 33.75%), followed by cervical flexion syndrome (20%), cervical extension syndrome (18.13%), and cervical flexion rotation syndrome (CFRS; 14.38%). A minority (13.75%) did not fit any specific MSI subgroup.

Conclusion  CERS was the most common MSI in MNP, followed by cervical flexion, cervical extension, and CFRSs.