Background/Purpose: The neck pain comes from multifactorial origin and affects approximately 70% of individuals at some point in their lives being considered a frequent problem of disability. Pilates is a method of physical conditioning that has been widely used to improve posture and develop body sense. Although the symptoms of neck pain are common in the population, no study has investigated the effects of the Pilates method as a possible treatment for neck pain. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Pilates method on pain, function and quality of life in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with diagnosis of chronic mechanical neck pain for more than three months were selected to this study. Patients with symptoms of pain in the cervical spine, between the occipital and the first thoracic vertebra, both genres, age between 18 and 65 years were included. Patients with fibromyalgia, previous traumatic lesions in the spine, infections and inflammation in the spine, cervical pain radiating to upper limbs, patients that practice of physical activity started or altered in the last 3 months, visual deficiency not corrected by glasses, diseases of the central nervous system were excluded. The patients were randomized into two groups: Pilates and control. The Pilates group (PG) realizes the drug treatment and two sessions per week of Pilates for twelve weeks. The control group (CG) realizes the drug treatment and remained on the waiting list for Pilates. Regarding drug treatment both groups were instructed to use 750mg acetaminophen every 6 hours if there is pain. Both groups were assessed for pain (VAS), function (Neck Disability Index – NDI), quality of life (SF-36), acetaminophen consumption. The evaluations were made by a blinded assessor at baseline (T0), 45 days (T45), 90 days (T90) and 180 days (T180) after baseline. 

Results: Thirty-two patients were randomized to each group. The groups were homogeneous at baseline with respect to demographic and clinical characteristics, only the Body Mass Index (BMI) was not homogeneous among the groups (p = 0,023), with the GP showing higher BMI than the CG. The analysis between groups over time (ANOVA) show a statistical difference for pain (p <0,001), function (p <0,001) and quality of life [physical functioning (p = 0.019), pain (p <0,001), general health (p = 0,022), vitality (p <0.001), mental health (p = 0,012)] always with best results for the GP. Regarding medication GP consumed less analgesic than the CG (p = 0,037).    

Conclusion: we conclude that the Pilates method is effective for the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain for relive pain; improve function and quality of life and reduce analgesic consumption.

ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/effectiveness-of-pilates-method-for-the-treatment-of-chronic-mechanical-neck-pain/