Immediate Effects of the C0-C1 Mobilization Technique on Upper Cervical Mobility and Pressure Threshold in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Most cases of pain in the neck region are of mechanical origin. In Spain, its annual prevalence has been estimated to range between 16.7% and 75.1% 2. In Chile, the prevalence is estimated to be 30% in Men and 50% in women, increasing as age increases. It is estimated that, of these cases, 44% have a duration of 6 months or more, giving rise to difficulties not only at work but also in daily life, at home, economically, even in emotional aspects.

The most common symptom is pain in the neck region, which may be associated with restricted movement, dizziness, and manifestations of stress. A large proportion of movement of the cervical spine takes place in the C1-C2 segment, where up to 50% of the total rotation of the cervical spine occurs. There are several techniques to restore cervical mobility, but few of them comply with the guidelines of the IFOMPT (International Federation of Manual Orthopedic Therapists) on the safety and efficacy in the treatment of hypomobility of the upper cervical spine, avoiding positions at the end of the cervical range of motion, especially rotation and extension, and there is also limited scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

The C0-C1 dorsal mobilization technique complies with these recommendations and have been used in previous studies, although there is no evidence of its effects on range of motion, activation of deep cervical musculature and pressure threshold in patients with chronic mechanical cervicalgia. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation is to determine the effects of the dorsal mobilization technique of the atlanto-occipital joint (C0-C1) as adjuvant treatments for Kinesitherapy in users with chronic cervical pain of mechanical origin and rotation deficit in the upper cervical spine.