Abstract
Objective: Long-term use of a cell phone in the head forward position increases the risk of developing trigger points (TP) and myofascial pain syndromes (MPS). The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between mobile phone use-related neck discomfort and MPS in the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae (LS) muscles, as well as to recommend an effective treatment strategy.
Materials and Methods: This study included 40 patients with neck discomfort who reported using a mobile phone. These patients were split into two groups of 20 at random. The trapezius, sternocleidomastoids, and LS muscles were assessed for the presence of taut bands and the intensity of pain. Additionally, range of motion (ROM) and the intensity of neck pain were evaluated. Participants in Group 1 were given a structured exercise program and posture correction instruction, whereas Group 2 was not assigned any correction therapy. The participants were re-evaluated after one month, and their parameters were compared to those during the initial examination.
Results: This research had a total of 40 patients (20 from each group). In group 1, the neck pain score reduced dramatically from 56.3±21.2 mm to 28.5±17.3 mm (p<0.001), and the taut band of the right levator scapulae muscle vanished (p=0.004). TP pain intensity decreased significantly in the left sternocleidomastoids (p=0.038), left trapezius (p=0.030), and right LS (p=0.011) muscles. In group 1, there was slightly decrease in discomfort in the left levator scapulae muscle, although it was not statistically significant (p=0.056). However, group 2's neck pain severity score (48.1±22.0 mm to 39.4±19.9 mm, p=0.123), taut band presence, and TP severity of pain did not alter significantly after one month.