Effect of Backward Walking in Subjects with Mechanical Neck Pain

Background: Population based studies showed that a lifetime prevalence of neck pain was 70% and a point prevalence was between 12-34%. Most common causes of neck pain include:- myogenic positional faults, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, ankylosing spondylitis, fractures, torticollis, paget’s disease, neurogenic causes as well as soft tissue injuries, vertebral tumor. Backward walking has shown potential benefits in lengthening of posterior muscular chain and stretching the posterior myofascial. There is greater amount of hip extension and knee flexion in backward walking as compared to forward walking. As there is greater amount of hip extension, there occurs greater amount of extension of lumbar spine which loads up the facet joint opening up the disc space. The unloading of the discs occurred may lead to reduction in the pain.

Objectives: To study the effect of backward walking in subjects with mechanical neck pain

Method: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. 38 subjects were selected between the age group 20 to 40 years suffering from mechanical neck pain from 1 month. Male and female subjects were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre values of numeric pain rating scale and cervical lordotic index were taken. Study was carried out for 5 days for 1 week. Post data analysis was note and data analysis was done.

Result: A statistical analysis using paired t test within the group comparison was done and conclusions was estimated. Result found from analysis was significant.

Conclusion: There was a reduction in pain status and cervical curve between the values of pre study and post study. Hence, this study concludes that there is effectiveness in backward walking in subjects with mechanical neck pain