Effect of intensive neuromuscular electrical stimulation on chronic neck pain: A case report

Abstract: Chronic neck pain is a relatively common problem that can interfere with daily activities and is often experienced following musculoskeletal injuries. To identify the impact of intensive neuromuscular electrical stimulation (INES) for reducing chronic neck pain in a 21-year-old female athlete, following a traumatic sports injury, which occurred two years earlier. A treatment package including three separate sessions of INES and exercise therapy were prescribed. Outcomes measurements were short form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), visual analogue scale (VAS), and the neck disability index (NDI). Measurements were performed at baseline, following the intervention, and three months later. Following our intervention; VAS score decreased from 6/10 to 3/10, and 1/10 after three months; and NDI decreased from 54/100 to 18/100, and 10/100 after three months. A combination of INES and resistance training significantly reduced neck pain after three months in a female gymnast. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this combination of treatments in larger cohorts with more diffuse musculoskeletal conditions.