High Tone Power Therapy Versus Interferential Current Therapy in Mothers With Breastfeeding-Related Neck Pain

Breastfeeding is very essential for the growth and development of an infant. World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding of the baby for the first six months. Duration of breastfeeding ranges from 15-20 minutes and is done after every 2-3 hours. The frequency of breastfeeding is approximately 8-12 times a day. So collectively 5-6 hours in an entire day are spent while feeding the baby. Breastfeeding mothers encounter various musculoskeletal problems. These problems arise due to the inappropriate positions acquired during breastfeeding the baby. Since these positions are maintained for longer durations, they can lead to long-term postural deformities by altering the normal curvature of spine. Moreover hormonal changes of pregnancy may last from 12 weeks postpartum to 6 months postpartum. All these changes will have a long-lasting effect while performing activities of daily living, hampering baby care and self-care (Dandekar et al., 2022). In addition to breast soreness, engorgement, maternal illness, blocked ducts, and mastitis, breastfeeding-related neck pain has a high prevalence among nursing women. It is commonly associated with the adoption of awkward postures during feeding sessions. One of the most common awkward positions adopted by nursing mothers is unsupported head/neck posture, resulting in sustained neck flexion to monitor the infant during feeding. Such a sustained awkward position with excessive repetition usually puts stress on the neck and back muscles