Effectiveness of Physiotherapy (Short Wave Diathermy) in Reducing Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder contributing to significant functional disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. Physiotherapy has been recognized as an effective, non-pharmacologic approach for managing chronic neck pain; however, local evidence on its effectiveness in Bangladesh remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy (Short Wave Diathermy) in reducing pain intensity and improving functional outcomes among patients with chronic neck pain attending a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from January to December 2015. A total of 51 patients aged 18 years and above with chronic neck pain (duration ≥ 3 months) were enrolled using a purposive sampling technique. Participants underwent a structured physiotherapy program comprising hot pack therapy, isometric and stretching exercises, and postural correction with ergonomic education over a 4-week period. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after physiotherapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 51 participants, 56.9% were female and 43.1% were male, with a mean age of 38.7 ± 9.5 years. The mean pre-treatment VAS score was 7.26 ± 1.12, which significantly decreased to 3.18 ± 1.07 post-treatment (p < 0.001). Marked functional improvement was observed, with 90.2% reporting better neck movement, 84.3% improved daily activity performance, and 80.4% improved sleep quality. No significant association was found between pain reduction and socio-demographic variables (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Physiotherapy (Short Wave Diathermy) was found to be highly effective in reducing chronic neck pain and improving functional outcomes, regardless of age, gender, or occupation. These findings support the integration of structured physiotherapy programs into routine clinical care as a safe and cost-effective management strategy for chronic neck pain in Bangladesh.