Introduction. Pain in the cervical spine affects about 22-70% of the population and the incidence of pain increases with age. Out of different types of therapies, most patients prefer a massage aimed at normalizing muscle tension and reducing pain. However, a comprehensive approach to a patient according to the Kinetic Control concept allows for the assessment of uncontrolled motion and enables the analysis of motion and its function. The assessment of motor errors as well as the re-education of muscle function is an important element in improving the range of motion and reducing pain in the cervical part of the spine.

Aim. Assessment of the impact of classical massage and central stabilization exercises on the quality of life of people with cervical spine pain.

Material and methods. The study covered 40 people (62,5% women, 37,5% men) aged 20 – 70 year who suffered from pain in the cervical spine. Two groups of 20 were formed. Group I was subjected to a series of classical massage, Group II performed exercises of central stabilization. The impact of both therapies was assessed by means of: the author’s own survey, the VAS scale, the NDI-PL form, and the measurement of the range of motion in the cervical spine. Quality of life was assessed using a 100-degree scale.

Results. VAS and NDI scores in both groups are significantly lower after treatment (p < 0,01), but it cannot be concluded that one form of therapy has had a better effect. The range of spine motion which was evaluated in the cervical segment significantly increased (p < 0,01) in both groups. It was noted that in terms of extension, central stabilization exercises proved to be more effective – the scope of extension increased on average by 1,3 units after exercises, whereas after massages only by 0,7 units (p = 0,045). Both therapies demonstrated effectiveness in the domain of general health (p = 0,54) – both massages and exercises (p = 0,01) brought patients a significant improvement.

Conclusions. Both therapies are effective in fighting cervical spine pain, however, better results were obtained in the group performing central stabilization exercises. The quality of life increased significantly in both groups of patients.

Key words:

Kinetic Control, Pressure Bio-Feedback Stabilizer, VAS and NDI scale