Effectiveness of the McKenzie method in regard to head posture and motion of the cervical spine in patients with cervical derangement syndrome

Aim. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of the McKenzie method in regard to head posture in standing and sitting as well as active range of motion of the cervical spine in patients with cervical derangement syndrome. Material and methods. The study group consisted of 61 patients aged 30-60 with cervical derangement syndrome. The participants were allocated to two study groups treated with the McKenzie method (gr. M) and a complex rehabilitation program called traditional therapy (gr. T). In each group the intervention lasted three weeks. The variables such as active retraction, protraction, flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine were assessed before and at the end of the therapy. Measurements of natural and correct head posture in sagittal plane in standing and sitting were taken only before treatment. Results. In the McKenzie group significant improvement was observed in regard to head posture in sagittal plane in standing and sitting as well as active retraction, extension, flexion to the left and right as well as rotation to the left and right. In the traditional therapy group only statistical significant increase in active retraction was achieved. The McKenzie method was more efficacious than the complex rehabilitation program in regard to head posture in sagittal plane in standing and sitting and active extension, flexion to the left and right. For the reason that conflicted results were achieved in the case of active rotation to the left and right further researches are recommended. Conclusions. 1) The McKenzie method is more effective than traditional therapy in correction of forward head posture in standing and sitting as well as increasing active range of extension and flexion to the left and right of the cervical spine in patients with cervical derangement syndrome. 2) The movement which centralises symptoms of cervical radiculopathy seems to be more effective than therapy including exercises, massage and ultra-red irradiation. 3) Patients with cervical radiculopathy are characterized by forward head posture in standing and sitting.