Effectiveness of Dermoneuromodulation Techniques in Patients With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the benefit of applying dermoneuromodulation techniques in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is one of the most commonly reported musculoskeletal pathologies in the general population. It has an immense impact on the physical, social, and psychological aspects and quality of life of the individual and society as a whole. Dermoneuromodulation(DNM) is recently popularising touch based pain relieving approach which is a gentle, structured method of interacting with patient's nervous system to help them resolve pain, regain function, and feel better. It was developed by Diane Jacobs, a Canadian physiotherapist specialised in pain science and the treatment of painful conditions. During her 40 years of practice, Jacobs was interested in Ronald Melzack, who developed the original Gate Control theory of pain along with Patrick Wall, and who later developed the NeuroMatrix model of pain. In 2007, Jacobs made a cadaver study that defined how peripheral cutaneous nerves divide into rami, which spread outward into the underside of skin. This work inspired her to develop a new conceptual approach to manual therapy for patients with pain. HYPOTHESES We hypothesize that there will be no effect of dermoneuromodulation techniques on clinical outcomes of patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is there a statistically significant effect of dermoneuromodulation techniques on clinical outcomes of patients with non-specific chronic neck pain?