Chronic idiopathic neck pain is a common problem, especially in women. Structural and functional impairments of the cervical extensor muscles have been demonstrated in people with neck pain. Therefore, exercise programs that target the neck extensor muscles have been suggested as a treatment option. In 2022, Giménez-Costa et al. conducted a study to compare the effects of a specific lower deep neck extensors (SLDNE) exercise program and a general neck extensor (GNE) exercise program on pain and disability in women with chronic idiopathic neck pain.

The study included forty-three women with chronic idiopathic neck pain, who were randomly allocated to either a six-week SLDNE or a GNE exercise program. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used as the primary outcome measure, and pain intensity (VAS), cervical range of motion, pressure pain thresholds, cervical and thoracic posture, and self-perceived benefit of treatment were also measured. The outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up.

The results of the study showed that both exercise programs lead to reduced neck disability and pain intensity immediately after treatment and at a 6-month follow-up. However, there were no between-group differences. The specific lower deep neck extensors exercise program was found to be equally effective as the general neck extensor exercise program. The study also found that both exercise programs improved the self-perceived benefit of treatment without any between-group differences.

These findings suggest that both SLDNE and GNE exercise programs could be recommended for women with chronic idiopathic neck pain. However, it is essential to note that the SLDNE exercise program did not show any additional benefits over the GNE exercise program. The study adds to the existing literature on the efficacy of neck exercise programs and provides further evidence for the effectiveness of neck exercise programs in the management of chronic idiopathic neck pain in women.

Reference: Giménez-Costa M, Schomacher J, Murillo C, Blanco-Hernández T, Falla D, Lluch E. Specific versus non-specific exercises for the neck extensor muscles in women with chronic idiopathic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2022 Aug;60:102561. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102561. Epub 2022 Apr 6. PMID: 35421696.