Effects of Travel Neck Pillow Usage on Cervical Comfort, Pain,Stiff Neck and Cervical Range of Motion After Thyroidectomy

Participants in the intervention group will receive a U-shaped travel neck pillow immediately after surgery upon arrival to the ward. The pillow will be used only during rest (supine or semi-Fowler's position) for the first 24 hours postoperatively and removed before mobilization begins. After removal, assessments will include cervical comfort using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain scores during neck movements (flexion, rotation, lateral flexion-excluding extension) via VAS, the McGill Pain Questionnaire for pain localization and severity, and cervical range of motion using a universal goniometer. This intervention aims to evaluate the pillow's effectiveness in reducing neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort, and improving mobility after thyroidectomy.

Participants in the control group will receive standard postoperative care following total thyroidectomy, without the use of a neck pillow. No additional non-pharmacological interventions will be provided. Pain management, mobilization, and other postoperative procedures will follow the hospital's routine clinical protocol. At 24 hours postoperatively, participants will be assessed for cervical comfort using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), neck pain during movements (excluding extension) using VAS, pain localization and severity via the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and cervical range of motion using a universal goniometer. This group serves as a comparison to evaluate the effectiveness of the neck pillow intervention.