Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of Tuina combined with Traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on nonspecific chronic neck pain (NCNP). Methods 80 eligible patients were recruited in our hospital from October, 2014 to October, 2015. They were randomized to observation group (n=40) and control group (n=40). The observation group received Tuina combined with TCE, and the control group received intermittent cervical traction, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. They were assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before, immediately after intervention, and at 1 month follow-up. Results 77 patients completed the treatment and follow-up. The scores of VAS and NDI significantly decreased after a 2-week intervention (t>9.330, P<0.001) in both groups. The VAS score were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group immediately after intervention and at 1-month follow-up (F>8.338, P< 0.01). The NDI score was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group at 1-month follow-up (F=9.053, P=0.004). Conclusion Tuina combined with TCE could relieve pain and improve cervical function in patients with NCNP, which was superior to intermittent cervical traction.

Key words: neck pain, Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index, intermittent traction