The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Interferential Current Therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic neck pain and to compare the effects of applying Interferential Current Therapy with vacuum electrodes versus carbon-silicon pad electrodes.
Patients with chronic neck pain lasting at least 3 months
Ages between 20 and 50 years
Patients with inflammatory or infectious diseases and those with radiculopathy or myelopathy symptoms
Patients for whom electrotherapy is contraindicated (e.g., those with pregnancy, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, inner ear hearing aids, arrhythmias, pacemakers, active infections, skin lesions, etc.)
Individuals with a history of malignancy, major surgery, or previous trauma
Individuals who have received physical therapy within the last year
Parallel
Sham vacuum
DeviceParticipants will undergo a total of 10 treatment sessions over two weeks, with one session per day, five days a week. Two-channel four vacuum electrodes will be placed on the neck so that the painful area remains in the middle. The vacuum electrodes will apply continuous vacuum mode for only 10 minutes without delivering interferential current. Following the sham vacuum therapy, a hot pack will be applied to the painful neck area for 20 minutes.
Interferential Current Therapy Vacuum Electrodes
DeviceParticipants will undergo a total of 10 treatment sessions over two weeks, with one session per day, five days a week. Two-channel four vacuum electrodes will be placed on the neck so that the painful area remains in the middle. Interferential current therapy with a 4000 Hz carrier frequency and 50 Hz amplitude-modulated frequency will be applied for 10 minutes using the vacuum electrodes. After the interferential current therapy, a hot pack will be applied to the painful neck area for 20 minutes.
Interferential Current Therapy Carbon-silicon Pad Electrodes
DeviceParticipants will undergo a total of 10 treatment sessions over two weeks, with one session per day, five days a week. Two-channel four carbon-silicon pad electrodes will be placed on the neck so that the painful area remains in the middle. Interferential current therapy with a 4000 Hz carrier frequency and 50 Hz amplitude-modulated frequency will be applied for 10 minutes using the carbon-silicon pad electrodes. Following the interferential current therapy, a hot pack will be applied to the painful neck area for 20 minutes.
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale
It is used to measure pain. The numerical scale for perceived pain intensity usually includes 11 numbers. The participant selects the number that best reflects their pain.In our study, participants were informed that '0' indicates no pain and '10' represents pain of unbearable intensity.
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale
It is used to measure pain. The numerical scale for perceived pain intensity usually includes 11 numbers. The participant selects the number that best reflects their pain.In our study, participants were informed that '0' indicates no pain and '10' represents pain of unbearable intensity.
Pressure Pain Threshold
A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) is a device used for assessing pain sensitivity and measuring pressure perception.It has been proven useful in evaluating trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity. The pressure algometer consists of a metal piston with a rubber disc at the end, which has a 1 cm² surface, and is connected to a gauge that measures pressure in kilograms of force (kgf). In our study, a manual algometer (BaselineR Dolorimeter, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc, NY, USA) was used. The algometric measurement will be performed three times on the most painful point as reported by the patient and detected by palpation. The average of these three measurements will be included in the evaluation.
Pressure Pain Threshold
A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) is a device used for assessing pain sensitivity and measuring pressure perception.It has been proven useful in evaluating trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity. The pressure algometer consists of a metal piston with a rubber disc at the end, which has a 1 cm² surface, and is connected to a gauge that measures pressure in kilograms of force (kgf). In our study, a manual algometer (BaselineR Dolorimeter, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc, NY, USA) was used. The algometric measurement will be performed three times on the most painful point as reported by the patient and detected by palpation. The average of these three measurements will be included in the evaluation.
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