Thoracic Mobilization Versus Sling-Based Thoracic Active Exercises on Pain, Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Non-specific Neck Pain

Background: Non-specific neck pain is the type of neck pain which has no pathognomonic signs and symptoms or has no underlying condition. It is estimated that 70% of the population may suffer from non-specific neck pain at some point in their life. Objective: To find out the effects of thoracic mobilization versus sling-based thoracic active exercises on pain, function and quality of life in patients with non-specific neck pain. Methods: This randomized trial was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Participants aged 20 to 45 years, diagnosed patients of non-specific neck pain were included in the study. Patients with any neurological disease, previous surgical history, pregnancy, or cardiac disease were excluded. Group A performed cervical manual therapy for and sling-based active thoracic exercises. While Group B performed cervical manual therapy and thoracic mobilization. A numeric pain rating scale, neck disability index and short form-36 questionnaire were used to measure pain, function and quality of life respectively. Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests were applied to identify within-group differences in both groups. Results: The mean rank for pain score in group A at the baseline was 31.42 and in group B 21.58 with a Z value of -2.437 and a p-value is 0.015. At the end of the treatment 4th week, the mean rank for pain in group A was 16.65 and in group B 36.35 with a Z value of -4.851 and a p-value is 0.00. The mean rank for neck disability index score in group A at the baseline was 27.94 and in group B 25.06 with a Z value of -1.158 and p-value is 0.247. At the end of the treatment 4th week, the mean rank for disability score in-group A was 22.50 and in-group B 30.50 with a Z value of -3.045 and a p-value is 0.02. Conclusion: Both groups showed significant improvements but Group A had more pronounced effects. Thoracic mobilization provides faster short-term relief but the active nature of sling-based exercises offers more sustainable benefits in long-term management of pain and patient wellbeing.