Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) along with Jacobson’s Progressive Relaxation Technique Influence Dysfunctional Breathing in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain?

A BSTRACT Background: Amongst all musculoskeletal problems, chronic neck pain has a high prevalence and impacts an individual’s wellbeing and quality of life. Due to chronic neck pain, many changes occur which can prompt biomechanical changes in the dorsal/thoracic spine and hence on respiratory muscle work. There is a close bidirectional relationship between pain and the autonomic nervous system. Chronic pain bringing about permanent up gradation of the autonomic nervous system prompts modifications in vital parameters, which in turn if persists results in dysfunctional breathing. Methodology: 30 chronic neck pain people were selected to determine the immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and Jacobson’s relaxation technique in individuals with chronic neck pain. Prepost intervention assessment for pain and dysfunctional breathing were compared and analyzed using paired ttest and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Result: For pain, the mean difference (−2.23) was statistically significant ( P < 0.001) whereas the breath hold test at total lung capacity and functional residual capacity showed mean differences (7.40) and (−6.83), respectively which were both statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: TENS along with Jacobson’s Progressive Relaxation Technique helps to reduce pain and correct dysfunctional breathing in individuals with chronic neck pain.