Immediate improvement in the cranio-cervical flexion test associated with MDT-based interventions: a case report
Hiroshi Takasaki1, Scott Herbowy2
1NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence - Spinal Pain, Injury and Health, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
|December 14, 2016
Summary
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) effectively treated chronic neck and scapular pain. Exercises rapidly reduced pain and improved cervical spine motor control, as measured by the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test (CCFT).
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
- Spinal Mechanics
Background:
- Chronic idiopathic neck and scapular pain significantly impacts daily activities.
- Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a clinical approach to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test (CCFT) assesses deep neck flexor endurance and motor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case study on the effectiveness of MDT for chronic neck and scapular pain.
- To investigate the impact of MDT on cervical spine motor control (CCFT).
Main Methods:
- A patient with chronic neck and left lower scapular pain received MDT-based treatment.
- Treatment involved retraction exercises and repeated extension in lying with clinician's traction.
- Progress was assessed using symptom response, cervical range of motion (ROM), and CCFT measurements.
Main Results:
- Retraction exercises led to pain centralization and improved CCFT from ≤20 to 24 mmHg in the initial visit.
- Subsequent treatment abolished pain, restored full cervical ROM, and increased CCFT to 26 mmHg.
- Symptom relief and CCFT maintenance at 26 mmHg were observed at the one-week follow-up.
Conclusions:
- MDT interventions demonstrated rapid symptom reduction and functional improvement in a patient with chronic neck and scapular pain.
- Immediate improvements in CCFT suggest a link between MDT and enhanced cervical motor control.
- Further research is warranted to explore the relationship between MDT and cervical spine motor control.
