CORRELATION BETWEEN NECK •PROPRIOCEPTION DEFICIT AND BALANCE IN CHRONIC MECHANICAL NECK PAIN

Abstract

Chronic neck pain is a significant problem in industrialized countries. Estimates place the prevalence of chronic neck pain in the general population at about 14% of the population. It affects their work performance and social participation. Neck pain consumes a significant proportion of health care resources. It is a distressing condition with high emotional and personal costs, negatively impacting on quality of life.

Neck pain may also accompanied by light-headedness, dizziness. Dizziness is a non-specific term that describes a sensation of altered orientation of the body space spatial orientation is a key process necessary for several normal functions such as coordinating movement and maintaining postures. Patients with chronic Mechanical neck pain involve functional alteration in the muscle spindle receptors and joint proprioceptors, which converges in the CNS confusing the •postural control system.

Recommendations have been addressed to study whether there is a direct relation ship between neck proprioception mechanical neck pain patient consequently, this in turn may be valuable in highlighting the importance of proprioception and balance training in the treatment approach.

Thirty patients suffering from chronic Mechanical neck pam participated in this study ( 17 male, 13 female), referred from the out clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy.