Effects of Thoracic Mobilization and Sling-Based Exercises on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-Specific Neck Pain

Background: Non-specific neck pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition and the fourth most common cause worldwide. Middle-aged women are more likely to have it. In addition to being a risk factor for severe spine pathologies and functional impairment, this pain is well-recognized to be linked to worse worker productivity and quality of life. Objective: To determine the effects of thoracic mobilization and sling-based exercises on functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with non-specific neck pain. Methodology: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial consisting of 52 participants was conducted. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups using the lottery method. Group A received sling-based thoracic active exercises and cervical manual therapy, while Group B received thoracic mobilizations and cervical manual therapy. The neck disability index and SF-36 questionnaire were used to measure function and quality of life. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows data was not normally distributed. Mann-Whitney U Test for between-group analysis and Friedman test for within-group analysis was used. Results: The mean rank for neck disability index in group A at the baseline was 27.94 and in group B 25.06 with a Z value of 1.158 and a P-value of 0.247. At the end of treatment eight weeks, the mean rank for neck disability index in group A was 19.30 and in group B 33.70, with a Z value of -4.025 and a p-value of 0.02. Group A shows more significant improvements, at weeks two, four, six, and eight treatment, in the domains of quality-of-life (physical functioning), role limitation due to physical health, emotional problems, emotional wellbeing, social functioning, pain, energy/fatigue, and general health by increasing the mean value of these domains. Conclusion: Both groups experienced significant improvements in their symptoms, but Group A benefits were more apparent. While thoracic mobilization provides faster, short-term relief, the dynamic nature of sling-based exercises gives broader, longer-lasting benefits, especially in the long-term treatment of pain and general patient well-being.