Evidenced, cervical pain benefit from chiropractic treatments
| evidence | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ref # | citation | modalities discussed | level of evidence for benefit | cervical pain benefit | better than no treatment? |
| 11 | Cassidy JD, Lopes AA, Yong-Hing K. The immediate effect of manipulation versus mobilization on pain and range of motion in the cervical spine: a randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1992; 15(9):570–5. | manipulation | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 39 | Cassidy JD, Quon JA, LaFrance LJ, Yong-Hing K. The effect of manipulation on pain and range of motion in the cervical spine: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1992; 15(8):495–500. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 40 | Vernon HT, Aker PD, Burns S, Viljakaanen S, Short L. Pressure pain threshold evaluation of the effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of chronic neck pain: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1990; 13(1):13–6. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 41 | Pikula JR. The effect of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on pain reduction and range of motion in patients with acute unilateral neck pain: a pilot study. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 1999; 43:111–9. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 42 | Yurkiw D, Mior S. Comparison of two chiropractic techniques on pain and lateral flexion in neck pain patients: a pilot study. Chiropr Tech. 1996; 8(4):155–62. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 49 | Rogers RG. The effects of spinal manipulation on cervical kinesthesia in patients with chronic neck pain: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997; 20(2):80–5. | 4 | unknown | not studied | |
| 43 | Wood TG, Colloca CJ, Matthews R. A pilot randomized clinical trial on the relative effect of instrumental (MFMA) versus manual (HVLA) manipulation in the treatment of cervical spine dysfunction. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001; 24:260–71. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 47 | Wallace HL, Jahner S, Buckle K, Desai N. The relationship of changes in cervical curvature to visual analog scale, neck disability index scores and pressure algometry in patients with neck pain. J Chiropr Res Clin Invest. 1994; 9(1):19–23. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 44 | Cilliers K, Penter C. Relative effectiveness of two different approaches to adjust a fixated segment in the treatment of facet syndrome in the cervical spine. J Neuromusculoskel Sys. 1998; 6:1–5. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 45 | Moodley M, Brantingham JW. The relative effectiveness of spinal manipulation and ultrasound in mechanical pain: pilot study. Chiropr Tech. 1999; 11(4):164–8. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 46 | van Schalkwyk R, Parkin-Smith GF. A clinical trial investigating the possible effect of the supine cervical rotatory manipulation and the supine lateral break manipulation in the treatment of mechanical neck pain: a pilot study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000; 23:324–31. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 48 | Parkin-Smith GF, Penter CS. A clinical trial investigating the effect of two manipulative approaches in the treatment of mechanical neck pain: a pilot study. J Neuromusculoskel Sys. 1998; 6(1):6–16. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| thoracic manipulation (when added to cervical manipulation) | 2b | no | not studied | ||
| 20 | Allan M, Brantingham JW, Menezes A. Stretching as an adjunct to chiropractic manipulation of chronic neck pain – before, after or not at all? A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Eur J Chiropractic. 2003; 50(2):41–52. | manipulation, stretching | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 26 | Harrison DE, Harrison DD, Betz JJ, Janik TJ, Holland B, Colloca CJ, et al. Increasing the cervical lordosis with chiropractic biophysics seated combined extension-compression and transverse load cervical traction with cervical manipulation: nonrandomized clinical control trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2003; 26:139–51. | manipulation, traction | 2b, 4 | yes | Level 2b
– yes – |
| 25 | Harrison DE, Cailliet R, Harrison DD, Janik TJ, Holland B. A new 3-point bending traction method for restoring cervical lordosis and cervical manipulation: a nonrandomized clinical controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002; 83(4):447–53. | 4 | yes | Level 4
– yes – |
|
| 22 | Sterling M, Jull G, Wright A. Cervical mobilisation: concurrent effects on pain, sympathetic nervous system activity and motor activity. Man Ther. 2001; 6(2):72–81. | mobilization | 2b, 4 | yes | Level 2b
– yes – |
| 50 | Hou CR, Tsai LC, Cheng KF, Chung KC, Hong CZ. Immediate effects of various physical therapeutic modalities on cervical myofascial pain and trigger-point sensitivity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002; 83:1406–14. | ischemic pressure | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 51 | Ahlgren C, Waling K, Kadi F, Djupsjobacka M, Thornell LE, Sundelin G. Effects on physical performance and pain from three dynamic training programs for women with work-related trapezius myalgia. J Rehabil Med. 2001; 33:162–9. | exercise | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 10 | Chiu TT, Lam TH, Hedley AJ. A Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of exercise for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine. 2005; 30(1):E1–7. | 1b, 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 52 | Berg HE, Berggren G, Tesch PA. Dynamic neck strength training effect on pain and function. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994; 75:661–5. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 54 | Highland TR, Dreisinger TE, Vie LL, Russell GS. Changes in isometric strength and range of motion of the isolated cervical spine after eight weeks of clinical rehabilitation. Spine. 1992; 17(6 Suppl):S77–82. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 53 | Kadi F, Ahlgren C, Waling K, Sundelin G, Thornell LE. The effects of different training programs on the trapezius muscle of women with work-related neck and shoulder myalgia. Acta Neuropathol. 2000; 100(3):253–8. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 31 | Revel M, Minguet M, Gergoy P, Vaillant J, Manuel JL. Changes in cervicocephalic kinesthesia after a proprioceptive rehabilitation program in patients with neck pain: a randomized controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994; 75:895–9. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 32 | Takala EP, Viikari-Juntura E, Tynkkynen EM. Does group gymnastics at the workplace help in neck pain? A controlled study. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1994; 26(1):17–20. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 55 | Randløv A, Ostergaard M, Manniche C, Kryger P, Jordan A, Heegaard S, et al. Intensive dynamic training for females with chronic neck/shoulder pain. A randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 1998; 12(3):200–10. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 56 | Ekberg K, Björkvist B, Malm P, Bjerre-Kiely B, Axelson O. Controlled two year follow up of rehabilitation for disorders in the neck and shoulders. Occup Environ Med. 1994; 51:833–8. | exercise, education | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 57 | Waling K, Sundelin G, Ahlgren C, Järvholm B. Perceived pain before and after three exercise programs – a controlled clinical trial of women with work-related trapezius myalgia. Pain. 2000; 85:201–7. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 13 | Jordan A, Bendix T, Nielsen H, Hansen FR, Host D, Winkel A. Intensive training, physiotherapy or manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain. A prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Spine. 1998; 23:311–8: discussion 319. | exercise, home exercise, education | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 33 | Lundblad I, Elert J, Gerdle B. Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy and Feldenkrais interventions in female workers with neck-shoulder complaints. J Occup Rehabil. 1999; 9(3):179–94. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 34 | Levoska S, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S. Active or passive physiotherapy for occupational cervicobrachial disorders? A comparison of two treatment methods with a 1-year follow-up. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1993; 74(4):425–30. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 14 | Hoving JL, Koes BW, de Vet HC, van der Windt DA, Assendelft WJ, van Mameren H, et al. Manual therapy, physical therapy, or continued care by a general practitioner for patients with neck pain. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2002; 136:713–22. | exercise, multi-modal tx | 5 | yes | not studied |
| 15 | Korthals-de Bos IBC, Hoving JL, van Tulder MW, Ruttenvan Molken MP, Ader HJ, de Vet HC, et al. Cost effectiveness of physiotherapy, manual therapy, and general practitioner care for neck pain: economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2003; 326:911. | 5 | yes | not studied | |
| 35 | Wang WTJ, Olson SL, Campbell AH, Hanten WP, Gleeson PB. Effectiveness of physical therapy for patients with neck pain: an individualized approach using a clinical decision-making algorithm. Amer J Phys Med Rehabil. 2003; 82:203–18. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 58 | Kjellman GV, Öberg BE. A randomized clinical trial comparing general exercise, McKenzie treatment and a control group in patients with neck pain. J Rehabil Med. 2002; 34(4):183–90. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 59 | Vasseljen OJr, Johansen BM, Westgaard RH. The effect of pain reduction on perceived tension and EMG-recorded trapezius muscle activity in workers with shoulder and neck pain. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1995; 27(4):243–52. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 60 | Zylbergold RS, Piper MC. Cervical spine disorders: a comparison of three types of traction. Spine. 1985; 10:867–71. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 127 | Jordan A, Oostergard K. Rehabilitation of neck/shoulder patients in primary health care clinics. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996; 19:32–5. | 5 | yes | not studied | |
| 111 | Gross AR, Hoving JL, Haines TA, Goldsmith CH, Kay T, Aker P, et al; Cervical Overview Group. Manipulation and mobilisation for mechanical neck disorders. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews 2002, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004249.pub2. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004249.pub2, 2002. | 5 | yes | not studied | |
| 29 | Horneij E, Hemborg B, Jensen I, Ekdahl C. No significant differences between intervention programmes on neck, shoulder and low back pain: a prospective randomized study among home-care personnel. J Rehabil Med. 2001; 33:170–6. | home exercise | 2b, 4 | mixed | Level 2b
– no – |
| 61 | Klemetti M, Santavirta N, Sarvimaki A, Bjorvell H. Tension neck and evaluation of a physical training course among office workers in a bank corporation. J Adv Nurs. 1997; 26:962–7. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 16 | Taimela S, Takala EP, Asklof T, Seppälä K, Parviainen S. Active treatment of chronic neck pain: a prospective randomized intervention. Spine. 2000; 25:1021–7. | home exercise, education | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 28 | Gam AN, Warming S, Larsen LH, Jensen B, Høydalsmo O, Allon I, et al. Treatment of myofascial trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise – a randomised controlled trial. Pain. 1998; 77(1):73–9. | home exercise, ultrasound | 2b | no | Level 2b
– no – |
| 62 | Esenyel M, Caglar N, Aldemir T. Treatment of myofascial pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2000; 79(1):48–52. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 45 | Moodley M, Brantingham JW. The relative effectiveness of spinal manipulation and ultrasound in mechanical pain: pilot study. Chiropr Tech. 1999; 11(4):164–8. | ultrasound | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 23 | Ceccherelli F, Altafini L, Lo Castro G, Avila A, Ambrosio F, Giron GP. Diode laser in cervical myofascial pain: a double-blind study versus placebo. Clin J Pain. 1989; 5:301–4. | low-power laser | 2b, 4 | yes | not studied |
| 21 | Gur A, Sarac AJ, Cevik R, Altindag O, Sarac S. Efficacy of 904 nm gallium arsenide low level laser therapy in the management of chronic myofascial pain in the neck: a double-blind and randomize-controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2004; 35(3):229–35. | 1b, 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 63 | Özdemir F, Birtane M, Kokino S. The clinical efficacy of low-power laser therapy on pain and function in cervical osteoarthritis. Clin Rheumatol. 2001; 20:181–4. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 64 | Hagino C, Boscariol J, Dover L, Letendre R, Wicks M. Before/after study to determine the effectiveness of the align-right cylindrical cervical pillow in reducing chronic neck pain severity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998; 21(2):89–93. | pillow | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 17 | Foley-Nolan D, Barry C, Coughlan RJ, O’Connor P, Roden D. Pulsed high frequency (27MHz) electromagnetic therapy for persistent neck pain. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of 20 patients. Orthopedics. 1990; 13:445–51. | pulsed electromagnetic field | 2b, 4 | yes | not studied |
| 18 | Trock DH, Bollet AJ, Markoll R. The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and cervical spine. Report of randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials. J Rheumatol. 1994; 21:1903–11. | 2b, 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 24 | Smania N, Corato E, Fiaschi A, Pietropoli P, Aglioti SM, Tinazzi M. Therapeutic effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on myofascial pain syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol. 2003; 114:350–8. | 1b, 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 13 | Jordan A, Bendix T, Nielsen H, Hansen FR, Host D, Winkel A. Intensive training, physiotherapy or manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain. A prospective, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Spine. 1998; 23:311–8: discussion 319. | multiple multi-modal tx | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 15 | Korthals-de Bos IBC, Hoving JL, van Tulder MW, Ruttenvan Molken MP, Ader HJ, de Vet HC, et al. Cost effectiveness of physiotherapy, manual therapy, and general practitioner care for neck pain: economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2003; 326:911. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 19 | Brodin H. Cervical pain and mobilization. Man Med. 1985; 2:18–22. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 34 | Levoska S, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S. Active or passive physiotherapy for occupational cervicobrachial disorders? A comparison of two treatment methods with a 1-year follow-up. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1993; 74(4):425–30. | 4 | yes | unclear | |
| 65 | Ylinen J, Ruuska J. Clinical use of neck isometric strength measurement in rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994; 75:465–9. | 4 | yes | not studied | |
| 50 | Hou CR, Tsai LC, Cheng KF, Chung KC, Hong CZ. Immediate effects of various physical therapeutic modalities on cervical myofascial pain and trigger-point sensitivity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002; 83:1406–14. | single multi-modal tx | 4 | yes | not studied |
| 66 | Hong CZ, Lin JC, Bender LF, Schaeffer JN, Meltzer RJ, Causin P. Magnetic necklace: its therapeutic effectiveness on neck and shoulder pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1982; 63:462–6. | necklace | 4 | yes | not studied |
| magnetic quality (when add to necklace) | 1b | no | not studied | ||
| 27 | Viljanen M, Malmivaara A, Uitti J, Rinne M, Palmroos P, Laippala P. Effectiveness of dynamic muscle training, relaxation training, or ordinary activity for chronic neck pain: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2003; 327:475. | relaxation | 4 | no | not studied |
| education | 4 | no | not studied | ||
| 51 | Ahlgren C, Waling K, Kadi F, Djupsjobacka M, Thornell LE, Sundelin G. Effects on physical performance and pain from three dynamic training programs for women with work-related trapezius myalgia. J Rehabil Med. 2001; 33:162–9. | 4 | no | not studied | |
| 57 | Waling K, Sundelin G, Ahlgren C, Järvholm B. Perceived pain before and after three exercise programs – a controlled clinical trial of women with work-related trapezius myalgia. Pain. 2000; 85:201–7. | 4 | no | not studied | |
| 30 | Hanten WP, Barrett M, Gillespie-Plesko M, Jump KA, Olson SL. Effects of active head retraction with retraction/extension and occipital release on the pressure pain threshold of cervical and scapular trigger points. Physiother Theory Pract. 1997; 13:285–91. | occipital release | 2b, 4 | no | Level 2b
– no – |
| 30 | Hanten WP, Barrett M, Gillespie-Plesko M, Jump KA, Olson SL. Effects of active head retraction with retraction/extension and occipital release on the pressure pain threshold of cervical and scapular trigger points. Physiother Theory Pract. 1997; 13:285–91. | head retraction-extension exercise combinations | 2b, 4 | no | Level 2b
– no – |