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Physical medicine modalities for mechanical neck disorders.
A R Gross1, P D Aker, C H Goldsmith
1School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5. grossa@fhs.csu.mcmaster.ca
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Electromagnetic therapy may effectively reduce neck pain for mechanical neck disorders, while laser therapy shows no significant benefit. More research is needed for other physical medicine modalities.
Area of Science:
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Pain management
Background:
- Mechanical neck disorders are common and often treated with physical medicine modalities.
- Evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions is varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of physical medicine modalities for pain in adults with mechanical neck disorders.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized and controlled trials was conducted.
- Searches were performed across multiple databases from 1985 to 1993.
- Trial quality was assessed, and data were extracted by independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Thirteen trials were included; overall quality was generally good.
- Electromagnetic therapy showed significant pain reduction (p <0.01).
- Laser therapy did not differ significantly from placebo (p=0.20).
- Insufficient evidence exists for other modalities like exercise, traction, and acupuncture.
Conclusions:
- Limited trial data support the use of physical medicine modalities for mechanical neck pain.
- Electromagnetic therapy shows potential for pain reduction.
- Laser therapy appears ineffective for pain relief in this context.