COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF DIAPHRAGMATIC RELEASE AND CERVICAL MOBILIZATION ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION AND QUALTIY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that affects individuals globally, leading to significant physical, emotional, and social impairments. Conventional treatments often focus on pharmacologic or localized manual therapies, but their long-term efficacy remains limited. Diaphragmatic release and cervical mobilization represent innovative approaches that may address both localized and systemic factors influencing CNP. Objective: To compare the effects of diaphragmatic release and cervical mobilization on pain, Range of motion (ROM) and Quality of Life (QOL) in patients with CNP. Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 64 participants, aged 18–65, who had experienced CNP for at least three months. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving diaphragmatic release and the other cervical mobilization, alongside routine physical therapy. Pain was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), ROM through a bubble inclinometer, and QoL using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Data were collected at baseline, four weeks post-treatment, and six months post-treatment. Results: Both interventions resulted in significant improvements in pain, ROM, and QoL. However, diaphragmatic release demonstrated superior long-term effects. Pain scores decreased more significantly in the diaphragmatic release group at both four weeks and six months post-treatment (p < 0.001). Improvements in ROM for flexion, extension, and side bending were also greater in this group (p < 0.05). SF-36 scores indicated enhanced physical, emotional, and social well-being in the diaphragmatic release group compared to the cervical mobilization group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Diaphragmatic release is more effective than cervical mobilization in managing chronic neck pain, offering significant and sustained improvements in pain reduction, ROM, and QoL. The results support integrating diaphragmatic release into physiotherapy protocols for CNP to address both localized and systemic aspects of the condition.