Influence of Various Cervical Positions on Hand Grip Strength in Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal issue and a major contributor to global disability.This study aimed to investigate the effect of mechanical neck pain, with varying neck positions (neutral, rotated left or right), on hand grip strength in teenagers. Methods: This double-blind, randomized, pre-test post-test control group experimental study involved 60 patients aged 16 to 18 years with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP). The participants were randomly assigned to three equal groups. Group A received traditional CMNP treatment with the neck in a neutral position. Group B received traditional CMNP treatment with the neck rotated 45° to the left. Group C received traditional CMNP treatment with the neck rotated 45° to the right. All groups underwent treatment twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Pain levels were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, hand grip strength was measured with a digital hand-held dynamometer, and upper extremity function was evaluated using the Quick DASH questionnaire. Results: After treatment, groups A, B, and C showed significant improvements in mean pain levels, hand grip strength, and upper limb function compared to their pre-treatment values. However, group B did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in these outcomes when compared to groups A and C post-treatment. Conclusions: Variations in head-neck positions among patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP) did not significantly affect pain levels, hand grip strength, or upper limb function. Further studies are recommended to examine factors such as age, sex, and body mass index, which may impact hand grip strength.