Efficacy of Modified Cervical and Shoulder Retraction Exercise in Patients With Loss of Cervical Lordosis and Neck Pain
- Author:
Min Yong LEE
1
;
Heewon JEON
;
Ji Soo CHOI
;
Yulhyun PARK
;
Ju Seok RYU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2020;44(3):210-217
- CountryRepublic of Korea
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore if the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program restores cervical lordosis and reduces neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.
Methods:This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Eighty-three patients with loss of cervical lordosis were eligible. The eligible patients were trained to perform the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program by a physiatrist, and were scheduled for a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks later to check the post-exercise pain intensity and lateral radiograph of the cervical spine in a comfortable position. The parameters of cervical alignment (4-line Cobb’s angle, posterior tangent method, and sagittal vertical axis) were measured from the lateral radiograph.
Results:Forty-seven patients were included. The mean age was 48.29±14.47 years. Cervical alignment and neck pain significantly improved after undergoing the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program (p≤0.001). The upper cervical lordotic angle also significantly improved (p=0.001). In a subgroup analysis, which involved dividing the patients into two age groups (<50 years and ≥50 years), the change of the sagittal vertical axis was significantly greater in the <50 years group (p=0.021).
Conclusion:The modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program tends to improve cervical lordosis and neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.
