Correlation of Neck Pain Severity with Balance in Subjects with Mechanical Neck Pain

BACKGROUND: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is the most common cause of neck pain which causes sustained and abnormal loads on the neck and compromises the pain sensitive structures and therefore affects function of the cervical spine. MNP is characterised by reduced mobility, myofascial pain, faulty posture and altered cervical proprioception which can affect the balance of an individual. Hence, this study aimed to correlate pain severity with static and dynamic balance in young adults with MNP. METHOD: 42 subjects of age 18 to 35 years with MNP were included in this study. The subjects were asked to rate neck pain severity using Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) whereas, static and dynamic balance was assessed using Modified Clinical test for Sensory Interaction in Balance (MCTSIB) and Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT) respectively. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated a significant positive correlation between neck pain severity and static balance when standing on unstable surface with eyes closed (r = 0.3127) and dynamic balance (r = - 0.4534). However, there was no correlation between pain severity and static balance when standing on firm surface with eyes open and closed and on unstable surface with eyes open. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that there is linear relationship between pain severity and balance in challenging condition in patients with MNP.