Doctoral Project

The effects of thoracic manipulation in the treatment of mechanical neck pain: a meta-analysis

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate the short-term effect thoracic manipulation has on pain and disability on patients suffering chronic mechanical neck pain. Methods: Databases were searched for studies investigating the effectiveness of thoracic manipulation compared to other non-thrust or no intervention. The data from the found studies was compiled and analyzed for treatment effect and confidence intervals. The homogeneity between studies was analyzed and a qualitative analysis of each study using the PEDro scale was also completed. Forest plots were created to visually organize the final results. Results: It was found that thoracic manipulation exerted a large treatment effect on pain reduction when compared to non-thrust or no intervention. Thoracic manipulation exerted a moderate treatment effect on disability reduction when compared to non-thrust or no intervention. The studies compiled for the pain analysis were heterogeneous while the studies compiled for the disability analysis were homogeneous. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates that thoracic manipulation is more effective for short-term pain and disability reduction than non-thrust or no intervention.

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