Effect of stabilizer pressure biofeedback on post-thyroidectomy neck pain in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction To investigate the effect of stabilizer pressure biofeedback on post-thyroidectomy neck pain, disability, endurance capacity of deep cervical flexors (DCFs), and cervical range of motion (ROM) in women after menopause. Methods Thirty-six women aged 50–65 years with post-thyroidectomy neck pain were incorporated in this study. Participants were assigned randomly into two groups. Each group was comprised of 18 women. Group A underwent active stretching exercises of the neck muscles. Group B underwent cranio- cervical flexion training using stabilizer pressure biofeedback in addition to active stretching exercises. Q1: The treatment interventions were administered 3 times per week for six weeks. A stabilizer pressure biofeedback device was utilized to evaluate the endurance capacity of the DCFs. A digital goniometer was used to measure the cervical spine ROM. The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) was utilized to assess neck pain and disability levels prior to and following six weeks of treatment. Results Group A had no significant improvement over group B in the endurance capacity of the DCFs. Both groups (A and B) showed significant increases in cervical ROM and decreases in NPDS. However, comparing the two groups post-treatment, group B showed a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measurements. Conclusions Stabilizer pressure biofeedback is efficacious in enhancing the endurance of DCFs and ROM, in addition to reducing neck pain and disability in postmenopausal women who experience neck pain after thyroidectomy.