Immediate improvement in the cranio-cervical flexion test associated with MDT-based interventions: a case report

Abstract

The patient in this case study presented with constant idiopathic neck pain and left lower scapular pain (greater than 3 months) and was treated based on the principles of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). Retraction exercises produced centralization of the lower scapular pain to the upper part of the scapula at the initial visit. At the first visit, the performance level on the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test (CCFT) was ≤20 mmHg before the treatment. At the conclusion of the treatment during which centralization occurred, the CCFT level improved to 24 mmHg. At the second visit, all symptoms were abolished and cervical range of motion (ROM) was fully restored by performing repeated extension in lying from a retracted position with clinician's traction. The CCFT levels before and immediately after the treatment were 24 and 26 mmHg, respectively. At the third visit (1 week after the initial visit), he noted that all daily activities could be performed without pain. The CCFT level was maintained at 26mmHg. The patient in this study showed immediate improvement in the CCFT through the treatments based on MDT. This suggests a possible link between MDT interventions and motor control of the cervical spine and a need to further investigate this relationship.

Mechanical diagnosis and therapy enhances attitude toward self-management in people with musculoskeletal disorders: A preliminary evidence with a before–after design

“…[4][5][6][7] A study 8 demonstrated that certified MDT practitioners had more bio-psycho-social perspectives than general physiotherapists. MDT has also been applied for the management of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Mechanical diagnosis and therapy enhances attitude toward self-management in people with musculoskeletal disorders: A preliminary evidence with a before-after design and a great emphasis is placed on patient education regardless of the site of problems. [1][2][3] It is important in MDT to educate patients to manage their symptoms and problems by themselves and to undertake self-care as promoting self-care is associated with satisfaction for care 16 and patient education is considered to be effective for maximizing treatment effects and preventing recurrence of problems.…”

Craniocervical flexion performance in computer users: An observational study

“…Several authors have identified neck muscle impairments in neck pain patients [10,15,26] and the effect of strengthening the DCF on neck pain [3,4,6,21,28,51]. However, to our knowledge, this is the first study to quantify the neck muscle performance in the asymptomatic population of an ergonomically vulnerable group.…”

Home exercises for neck pain: A Delphi survey

“…Thirty articles were included and analyzed, and the information was synthesized ([Ahn et al., 2015; Alagha, 2015; Alpayci & Ilter, 2017; Andias et al., 2018; Boyoung et al., 2016; Bronfort et al., 2012; Bunketorp et al., 2006; Chan et al., 2015; Cramer et al., 2013; Dellve et al., 2011; Dusunceli et al., 2009; Galindez‐Ibarbengoetxea et al., 2017; Gallego Izquierdo et al., 2016; Gelecek & Akkan, 2017; Hakkinen et al., 2008; Iversen et al., 2018; Jakobsen et al., 2014; Karlsson et al., 2014; Langevin et al., 2012; Lauche et al., 2017; Lee et al., 2016a; Martel et al., 2011; Nazari et al., 2018; Nikander et al., 2006; Soderlund et al., 2000; Taimela et al., 2000; Takasaki & Herbowy, 2016; Vikne et al., 2007; Yesil et al., 2018; Ylinen et al., 2007] —Table ). The protocol was developed based on the principles of treatment with the strongest available evidence.…”