Manual Therapy for Recent–Onset or Persistent Neck Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Details

Files
Project Status:
Completed
Project Line:
Health Technology Review
Project Sub Line:
Summary with Critical Appraisal
Project Number:
RC0910-000

Question


  1. What is the clinical effectiveness of using manual therapy for the treatment of adults or pediatric patients with recent-onset or persistent neck pain?

  2. What are the evidence-based guidelines associated with the use of manual therapy for the treatment of adults or pediatric patients with recent-onset or persistent neck pain?


Key Message

Evidence supports the use of manipulation and mobilization for the management of neck pain in the adult population. There is evidence that massage may be beneficial for neck pain. Evidence from a single systematic review found traction had a positive effect on pain after the completion of treatments, however, this evidence was of limited quality and the results should be interpreted with caution. Two evidence-based guidelines were identified that provided recommendations supporting the use of manual therapies for acute and chronic neck pain in adults. Both guidelines included recommendations for the use of manipulation, mobilization, multimodal manual therapy and massage. Additionally, they both offered recommendations to not use relaxation massage, strain-counterstrain therapy, and traction for neck pain. No systematic reviews or guidelines were identified concerning the management of neck pain in the pediatric population.