Novel Therapeutic Approach to Enhancing Sleep Quality and Alleviating Pain in Subjects with Cervical Neuralgia

Abstract

Background: Cervical neuralgia is a chronic medical condition characterized by persistent neck pain, sleeping difficulties, and reduced cervical movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Two-Ended Slider Neurodynamic Technique (NM) and the combined use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and NM in improving sleep quality, pain, and cervical range of motion in subjects with cervical neuralgia.
Methods: This study was a single-blind, randomized controlled study. A total of 322 subjects with cervical neuralgia aged 45 to 54 years were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (Group A and Group B), with 161 in each group. Group A was treated with NM, while Group B was treated with CBT & NM. The intervention period was 4 weeks. Pretest and post-test measures were taken using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and the Sense Coordination 3D Cervical Trainer (SCT).
Results: Significant differences were observed in the paired t-test values of both groups. Group B demonstrated more improvement than Group A across all metrics in NPRS (65.92 vs. 58.11, p < 0.0001), PSQI (39.12 vs. 27.65, p < 0.0001), ROM {Flexion – 55.13 vs. 12.65, Extension – 63.29 vs. 9.41, Lateral Flexion (R) – 171.54 vs. 76.82 (p < 0.0001), Lateral Flexion (L) – 161.23 vs. 69.45 (p < 0.0001), Rotation (R) – 140.11 vs. 36.71 (p < 0.0001) & Rotation (L) – 147.21 vs. 39.86 (p < 0.0001)}.
Conclusion: A comprehensive approach combining CBT with NM in subjects with cervical neuralgia was more effective in reducing pain, improving sleep quality, and increasing cervical mobility in Group B subjects than in Group A subjects, who received NM
alone.