KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CHRONIC NECK PAIN MANAGEMENT AMONG FINAL YEAR MBBS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge of MBBS and Physiotherapy students regarding clinical management of chronic neck pain.

Material & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019. Two hundred final year medical students from Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences Faisalabad and University of Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad were included using convenient sampling. A self-modified questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results: About 80% DPT and 60% MBBS students responded that chronic neck pain is mostly treated by physical therapists. 83% MBBS and 71% DPT students agreed that investigations are necessary in chronic neck pain.100% DPT and 84% MBBS students preferred exercise and physical therapy over all other treatment options for the management of chronic neck pain.83% MBBS and 99% of DPT student reported that changing and modifying lifestyle can be helpful in chronic neck pain management.

Conclusion: Majority of both MBBS and DPT students agreed that exercise and physical therapy are the most effective treatment strategy in comparison to all other treatments in the management of chronic neck pain.