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Effects of manual diaphragm release on pain, disability and diaphragm function in patients with chronic neck pain: a
Kai-Chia Cheng1, Everlynn Yi Xuan Hii2, Yao-Nan Lin3
1Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Background:
Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal problem associated with impaired cervical functions, faulty breathing patterns, and declined respiratory functions. Diaphragm is a critical respiratory muscle and also connects to cervical spine through different fascial connections. However, the effects of diaphragm manual release (DMR) on CNP remain unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of DMR intervention on pain, disability, and diaphragm function in people with CNP.
Methods:
A total of 33 participants with CNP were randomized into the DMR and sham release group (SG), and received the allocated intervention twice a week for 2 weeks. The DMR group received a firm pressure release technique at the 7th to 10th subcostal region along with deep breathing, while the SG group received the same technique with light touch instead. Primary outcomes including pain, disability, and diaphragm function, and secondary outcomes including neck range of motions, strength, and chest expansion were performed before and after the intervention for all participants.
Results:
After receiving 4 sessions of intervention, the DMR group demonstrated clinically significant improvements in pain and cervical range of motion, along with potential clinically improvements in diaphragm mobility. In the SG group, only pain showed a clinical significant improvement. Cervical strength and chest expansions showed potential clinical improvements in both groups.
Conclusion:
The current results provide preliminary evidence that the DMR shows promise as an intervention for improving pain, cervical range of motion, and potentially diaphragm mobility, cervical strength, and chest expansion in patients with CNP. However, its effects may not be clearly superior to sham intervention after 4 sessions. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are required to confirm its efficacy and establish its role in CNP management.
Trial Registration:
The study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT04664842) on 11/12/2020.
