Kinesiology Tape to Decrease Neck Pain

A Quick and Easy Application for Pain Reduction

At the office, at home, in the gym or even upon waking, chances are you have at some point suffered from a stiff neck or pain in the neck and upper back. With modern living, the human neck has never had so much demand placed upon it, from being glued to a computer screen, looking down at a phone or sitting for sustained periods as well as then being required to perform against additional loads in training and/or in sport. 

The suggested main contributing factor for this pathology is Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). MPS is characterised by multiple trigger points causing taut bands of connective tissues also known as fascia (in-between skin and muscle) which causes pain and an inflammatory response. It is believed MPS occurs from repetitive muscle tension or overuse of a muscle leading to a decrease in the pliability of the fascia. This chronic condition tends to fluctuate in pain intensity over the course of a day or week, often being aggravated by positions or movements which further contract the muscles.

With many people seeking treatment through both invasive and non-invasive techniques along with MPS and myofascial pain combining to roughly 85% of all diagnosed neck pathologies, Öztürk et al. wanted to find if application of kinesiology tape to skin’s surface of the neck offered an analgesic effect. 

 

The Study

It was hypothesised from various suggestions that kinesiology tape (KT) can increase local blood circulation of an injured area, reduce local edema, facilitate muscle function and promote postural stimulus to the central nervous system. Therefore, application of this elasticated tape could benefit individuals suffering from MPS in the neck. Previous studies have already concluded KT has been shown to offer analgesic benefits for patellofemoral dysfunction and low back pain as well as improving symptoms of ankle instability and whiplash, yet no studies had focused on MPS in the neck and upper back. 

 

How It Was Tested 

37 subjects aged between 18-50 were selected and completed the study. All subjects had to meet certain requirements to be part of the study which included having a diagnosed trigger point in the trapezius muscle (located on top of the shoulder toward the neck and across the upper back) and to of experienced myofascial pain or discomfort for a minimum of 2 weeks. Those who have already received myofascial treatment in the last 6 months or have been diagnosed with another pathology or is suffering from depression or anxiety were excluded from the study. 

Participants of the study were randomly selected into two separate groups; group 1 KT and group 2 placebo. Group 1 would have the KT applied with the participant seated, with the head flexed laterally the contralateral side with rotation to the opposite side of the pain. The KT was applied from the back of the shoulder along the top of the trapezius up to the hairline. Application for group 1 used the KT method of using an anchor (no tension in tape) at each side of the strip with tension applied in the main body of the tape. 

Group 2 had the same KT applied yet application occurred with participant sitting a relaxed position, no tension in the tape and was placed from the back of the shoulder, horizontally laid down across the top of the shoulder blade to the spine. All participants underwent initial testing prior to any tape application these included: measuring the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score (how painful from 0-10), pressure algometry measure (level of pressure before pain on trigger point) and scapular elevator muscle strength (force from contraction of the shrugging muscles).  

Application of KT for both groups started at the beginning of the week. The tape remained on the skin for 3 days, followed by a day rest and then reapplied for the remaining 3 days on the testing. To see if the tape had any effect all participants performed computer based work for 8 hours a day and were given a uniform exercise programme consisting of neck stretches and strengthening exercises. 

All tests perform prior to the application of the tape were performed immediately after the testing period as well as 1 month after. The results of these tests at the three stages; before, straight after and 1 month later were compared to see if there was a significant difference. 

 

What Was Found

There was a significant difference In VAS scores when comparing the scores before treatment and immediately after. The mean VAS score for group 1 prior to treatment was 6.86 (with 10 being the worst pain and 0 being no pain), immediately after treatment this reduced to an average score of 3.86 and then a month after lower further to 2.64/10. 

Pressure sustained upon a trigger point (pressure algometry measurement) was significantly different in favour of group 1 from before treatment compared to immediately after. A significant difference was also found from immediately after treatment to one month post treatment, indicating the benefits continued after application of the tape. 

Strength of the scapula elevator muscles showed to have a significant improvement immediately post treatment compared with pre-treatment values. Those in the placebo group did not experience this benefit with strength levels having no significant difference between pre-and post-treatment.

 

Sum Up

Application of KT had a significant improvement in the level of pain felt in the neck, the amount of pressure applied before feeling pain on a trigger point and strength of the trapezius muscles. From this it can be summarised that KT can help manage pain as well as reduced the severity of the myofascial tightness caused from trigger points and help maximise benefits from a basic strengthening and stretching programme. Although there was still some low level discomfort a month after treatment it should be noted this was an isolated example and combination with other treatments such as massage, dry needling, physical therapy and progressive exercise therapy is a more reltis approach and could see enhanced benefits. 

 

How to Apply

•  Laterally tilt the head away from the the painful side (in photo the left side is painful).

• In this position, rotate the head towards the pain if possible.

• Next measure with the Kinesio tape from the top of the neck (just to the outside of the spinal processes), down the neck and across the top of the shoulder where you will likely feel the bone of the shoulder.

• Once the have the correct length cut the tape roughly 0.5-1 inch shorter (to compensate for the stretch of the tape during application).

• Round the corners on both sides/

• Fold the tape at both sides to form anchors indicated in the photo as A.

• Start at the top of the neck and rip the paper off the tape exposing the adhesive. Being careful not to touch the adhesive place the first anchor at the top of the neck on the painful side. No stretch or tension should be applied at the points labelled A.

• Give the first anchor a rub to warm the adhesive; increasing the stickiness of the tape, then pull the tape to max stretch (100%). Some o the paper will peel off the back which then you can use to guild the tape over the desired area. Before sticking down ease off the stretch to half the max stretched length (50% tension) and then half of that stretch (25% tension). 25% tension is applied over the areas labelled B in the photo.

• Pull the tape with the excess paper down the neck and top of the shoulder, using your other hand to smooth the tape. There should be no creases in the tape, go slowly.

• As you near the end of the tape you will feel the fold in the paper made earlier for your finishing anchor. Stop applying the tape with etc 25% tension at this point and just peel off paper.

• Run fingers over the end un-stuck tape to form your second no tension anchor at the end.

• Use your fingers or some of the paper to rub the tape all over to enhance the stickiness of the adhesive making it last longer.

• K tape tends to last 3-4 days and if some cases where the adhesive is warmed well up to a week.

Reference 

Öztürk, G., Külcü, D.G., Mesci, N., Şilte, A.D. and Aydog, E., 2016. Efficacy of kinesio tape application on pain and muscle strength in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a placebo-controlled trial. Journal of physical therapy science, 28(4), pp.1074-1079.