A clinical trial comparing the McKenzie method and a complex rehabilitation program in patients with cervical derangement syndrome

Author(s): Grażyna Guzy, Bogusław Frańczuk, Anna Krąkowska

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the McKenzie method and a complex rehabilitation program called traditional therapy in patients with cervical derangement syndrome. Material and methods: 61 patients aged 30-60 years with cervical derangement syndrome were included in the study. The patients were allocated to one of two, three-week interventions: the McKenzie method (30 subjects) and a complex rehabilitation program called traditional therapy (31subjects). The variables such as centralization of symptoms, overall, head, neck, shoulders and upper extremities pain intensity as well as headache were assessed at entry and the end of the study. Number of pain-free days was recorded only after the rehabilitation. Results: The McKenzie method was more efficacious than the complex rehabilitation program in regard to centralization of symptoms, overall, head and upper extremities pain intensity, headache and number of pain-free days. There were no differences between the interventions in neck and shoulders pain intensity. Conclusions: 1) The McKenzie method seems to be more efficacious than traditional therapy in regard to centralization of symptoms, overall, head and upper extremities pain intensity, headache and number of pain-free days in treating patients with cervical derangement syndrome. 2) The movement which centralizes symptoms is more effective than a complex rehabilitation program.