Pulsed electromagnetic field versus pulsed ultrasound in treatment of mechanical neck pain: rct

Mechanical neck pain (MNP)affects approximately two thirds of the population in the middle age due to poor postural habits. Purpose: to compare the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field versus pulsed ultrasound on pain intensity, cervical range of motion and functional restriction in treating patients with MNP. Design: randomized controlled trial. Methods: 45 patients with MNP participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into three groups: Group (A) received pulsed ultrasound and conventional physical therapy program, group (B) received pulsed electromagnetic field and conventional physical therapy program, group (C) “control group” received conventional physical therapy program. Subjects received three sessions a week for four weeks. The authors measured pain intensity, cervical range of motion and neck disability by the visual analogue scale, Acu Angle Inclinometer and neck disability index, respectively before and after four weeks of treatment. Results: There were statistical significant improvements in all groups after intervention in favor of group (B). Conclusion: It was concluded that the group that received pulsed electromagnetic field had the greatest improvement in pain intensity, cervical range of motion and neck disability in patients with MNP.