International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Background: Neck pain ranks among the leading causes of disability globally, particularly affecting young adults. Neck pain ranks 4th in disability causes, affecting 6-20% of the workforce with a 50% lifetime prevalence. Annual rates vary from 15% to 50%, peaking in middle-aged females. Global Burden of Diseases Study data shows a 21% increase in pain lasting over 3 months from 2006 to 2016. Despite its significant burden, research efforts remain limited, with only 0.12 trials per million disability-adjusted life years and a total of 30 million globally. Its non-specific form, often multifactorial in origin, diminishes quality of life, productivity, and socioeconomic status. Effective management strategies, including drugs, surgery, and conservative therapies, remain pivotal, yet the optimal approach is uncertain. Yoga, a burgeoning complementary therapy, shows promise in alleviating musculoskeletal pain, though its specific impact on chronic non-specific neck pain remains underexplored. Homeopathy, known for its individualized approach, offers potential relief for neck pain, yet its efficacy in chronic non-specific cases warrants investigation. A comparative study is thus imperative to discern optimal treatment modalities.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Homeopathy alone versus a combined approach of Homeopathy and Yoga for chronic non-specific neck pain in individuals aged 18 to 65 years. The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of both treatment modalities using the Neck Disability Index. Additionally, the study aims to identify commonly indicated Homeopathic medicines for chronic non-specific neck pain.

Materials and Methods: The study employed a comparative design conducted at a Homoeopathic OPD over a six-month duration with a sample size of 46 individuals aged 18 to 65 years. Participants were selected based on the Neck Disability Index, with eligibility criteria including adults with neck pain in the age group 18-65 years, patient selected on the basis of Neck Disability Index with disability range of mild and above (score- 5 and above), neck pain in the cervical region, possibly with referred or radiating pain in the occiput, shoulders and upper limbs and exclusion criteria such as K/C/O- malignancy, disc degeneration, and pregnancy. Convenience sampling was used to allocate participants into two groups: one receiving Homeopathic treatment alone and the other receiving both Homeopathy and Yoga. Treatment efficacy was assessed using the Neck Disability Index, with data collected via case record format and analyzed using unpaired t-tests. Treatment involved administering the Homeopathic similimum based on symptom totality and recommending yoga practice at home. Regular follow-ups monitored symptom changes, with the final assessment using the Neck Disability Index to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Results: The combined approach of Homeopathy and Yoga proves more effective than Homeopathy alone for chronic non-specific neck pain in individuals aged 18 to 65 years. Among the most commonly prescribed medicines, Natrum muriaticum was administered to 7 patients, followed by Nux vomica and Phosphorus, each prescribed to 5 patients.

Conclusion: This study shows no significant difference between the effectiveness of Homoeopathy and combined approach of Homoeopathy and Yoga for Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain in the age group 18 to 65 years; But by comparing the average NDI score before and after treatment of both the groups; it indicates that the group Homoeopathy and Yoga is more effective than the Homoeopathy group in cases of chronic non-specific neck pain.