Effectiveness of Nerve Glides Among Housewives with Radiating Neck Pain to Improve Functional Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Radiating neck pain resulting from cervical neural involvement is a common musculoskeletal condition that can significantly impair daily functioning, particularly among housewives who are exposed to repetitive postural and upper-limb demands. Neural mobilization techniques, including nerve gliding exercises, have been proposed to reduce neural mechanosensitivity and improve functional outcomes; however, evidence specific to this population remains limited. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of nerve gliding exercises in improving pain intensity and functional disability among housewives with radiating neck pain. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 30 housewives aged 30–45 years presenting with radiating neck pain. Participants underwent a supervised nerve gliding intervention three times per week for four weeks. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Neck Disability Index at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. Results: Significant reductions were observed in both outcomes following the intervention. The mean Neck Disability Index score decreased from 3.07±0.64 to 2.03±0.56 (p=0.001), and the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale score decreased from 3.17±0.65 to 2.23±0.57 (p=0.001). Conclusion: Nerve gliding exercises significantly improved pain and functional outcomes in housewives with radiating neck pain, supporting their use as a feasible physiotherapy intervention in clinical practice.