Short-term results of physiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed degenerative cervical spine disease

Hey HW, Lau PHB, Hee HT
Correspondence: Dr Hey Hwee Weng Dennis, hwee_weng_hey@nuhs.edu.sg

ABSTRACT
Introduction Degenerative cervical spine diseases are common, and physiotherapy is widely used as an initial form of treatment. We aimed to analyse the effects of the initial sessions of physiotherapy for patients who were newly diagnosed with degenerative cervical spine disorders.
Methods A prospective series of 30 patients with newly diagnosed degenerative cervical spine disease were referred to our department and followed up for the initial two sessions of physiotherapy. The patients were assessed after each session. Outcome parameters studied included pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), neck range of movements and activities of daily living (ADL).
Results Our study subjects comprised mainly females (60%) in their fifties (46.7%) who worked as clerks or secretaries (53.3%). There was an improvement in the patients’ pain score (VAS) from a median of 8 to 4 after two visits to the physiotherapists. Slight improvement in the neck range of movements was also observed. Marked improvement was seen in ADL, especially in the ability to carry heavy objects.
Conclusion Physiotherapy is an effective initial option for patients with newly presented degenerative cervical spine disease. The results of this study can be used to advise patients on the short-term benefits of physiotherapy.

Keywords: degenerative cervical spine disease, physiotherapy
Singapore Med J 2012; 53(3): 179–182