Effectiveness of the McKenzie method in reducing pain and improving emotions in patients with derangement syndrome of the cervical spine

Introduction: Pain syndromes of the cervical spine are common. There is little research on the effectiveness of conservative treatment in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Aim: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of the McKenzie method and a complex rehabilitation program in reducing pain and improving emotions in patients with cervical derangement syndrome. Material and methods: 61 patients with cervical derangement syndrome no 5 (in accordance with previous classification of the McKenzie method) aged 30-60 were qualified to two therapeutic groups. Group M was treated with the McKenzie method, and group T with a complex rehabilitation program defines as traditional therapy. The two interventions lasted for three weeks. All patients completed questionnaires to assess pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire), state anxiety (Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire) and emotions (Adjective Checklist Measuring Emotional State. SE-T Scale) before and at the end of therapy. Results: In both groups an improvement was observed in most indexes of the McGill Pain Questionnaire after treatment, although the McKenzie method was more effective. The exception was the index WOB(OC). Emotions improved only in patients treated with the McKenzie method, and this intervention has proved to be more efficient than the traditional therapy. Conclusions: 1) The McKenzie method is more effective compared to the complex rehabilitation program in reducing pain and improving emotions in patients with cervical derangement syndrome. 2) Robin McKenzie’s method which does not contain elements of psychological intervention improves emotional state of patients with cervical radiculopathy.