Chiropractors have long been considered a valuable treatment option in a patient’s quest to reduce or eliminate neck pain. The latest research outcomes have proven chiropractic to be not just clinically effective, but also a very cost effective option.
Benefits Outweigh the Risks
In a study of 529 patients undergoing treatment for neck pain with a follow up period of 12 months, the researchers found that while “adverse events” were fairly common, reported by 53% of the participants after any of the first three treatment visits, all but 13% reported these to be mild pain related symptoms that were self-limiting. No serious adverse events were reported during the course of the study. Half of the patients reported resolution of neck pain by the third visit, and 2/3 reported resolution prior to three months of treatment. The researchers concluded that the benefits of SMT as a treatment for neck pain far outweigh the risks involved.
Rubinstein, S. M., Leboeuf-Yde, C., Knol, D. L., de Koekkoek, T. E., Pfeifle, C. E., & van Tulder, M. W. (2007). The benefits outweigh the risks for patients undergoing chiropractic care for neck pain: a prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 30(6), 408-418.
Chiropractic Manipulation “Very Helpful”
Researchers conducted a national telephone survey of 2055 adults to determine which treatments were utilized as treatment for neck pain, and which were perceived as effective. Thirty-seven percent of neck pain sufferers had seen a conventional provider and 54% had sought complimentary therapies, with 20% seeking chiropractic care and 14% employing massage. Chiropractic, massage, and relaxation techniques were rated as “very helpful” for back or neck pain among users (61%, 65%, and 43%, respectively), while only 27% of those surveyed reported that conventional therapies were “very helpful.”
Wolsko, P. M., Eisenberg, D. M., Davis, R. B., Kessler, R., & Phillips, R. S. (2003). Patterns and perceptions of care for treatment of back and neck pain: results of a national survey. Spine, 28(3), 292-297.
Include Manipulations of the Thoracic Spine
In a study that divided patients with neck pain into two groups, one group receiving only cervical manipulation, and a second group receiving both cervical and thoracic spine manipulation, both groups reported similar decreases in cervical spine pain, and increases in cervical ranges of motion, however the group which included thoracic spine manipulation exhibited a statistically significant reduction in neck disability as recorded by an objective tool than did the “cervical manipulation only” group. Researchers concluded that the inclusion of thoracic spine manipulation in the treatment of neck pain leads to less disability and thus should be incorporated into treatment planning.
Saavedra-Hernández, Manuel, et al. “Short-term effects of spinal thrust joint manipulation in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized clinical trial.”Clinical rehabilitation 27.6 (2013): 504-512.
Incorporate Yoga-Like Stretching Exercises
In the September 2009 issue of spine magazine, an article examined 90 patients reporting back and neck pain, splitting them into two groups, one of which performed regular yoga sessions and the other which continued their normal treatment regimen. Those in the yoga group reported significant decreases in pain.
Identify Psychosocial Factors and Refer as Needed
A literature review that examined the prognostic factors that exist in those who eventually report neck pain was conducted, and it was found that factor most common to neck pain sufferers is the presence of psychosocial deficits that may include one’s psychologic health, coping patterns, and need to socialize. Interestingly, such factors were much more predictive of neck pain occurrence that was regular general exercise. This may highlight the need for chiropractors to be truly holistic in their evaluation of a patient and to identify possible psychosocial treatment needs for possible referral to mental health professionals as part of our approach in treating neck pain.
Carroll, L. J., Hogg-Johnson, S., van der Velde, G., Haldeman, S., Holm, L. W., Carragee, E. J., … & Cassidy, J. D. (2009). Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in the general population: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 32(2), S87-S96.