Effect of teaching patients neck stretching exercises on neck pain and disability following thyroidectomy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of teaching patients stretching neck exercises on pain and disability of the neck following thyroidectomy.

Methods: Research design: a randomized controlled trial was utilized. Setting: the study was conducted at the general surgery ward and outpatient surgery clinic-Assiut university hospital. Sample: 60 adult male and female patients scheduled to undergo thyroidectomy and are willing to take part in this study. Tools of data collection: Tool (I): Patient assessment sheet, Tool II: Neck pain and disability index questionnaire.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding their socio-demographic variables and medical data while there was a highly statistical significant difference between both groups regarding pain in the neck and disability 7 days post thyroidectomy.

Conclusions: Teaching and applying neck stretching exercises significantly improved the neck condition of patients in the study group regarding pain and disability of the neck. Nurses working in the general surgery department must include the stretching neck exercises in care and follow-up protocols of patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and to use the validated neck pain and disability questionnaire in monitoring patient’s condition.