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Patient education 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
Patient education strategies, including group or individual approaches, did not demonstrate significant pain reduction for mechanical neck disorders. Further research is needed to establish effective patient education interventions for neck pain management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Management
Background:
- Mechanical neck disorders are a common issue addressed by conservative management strategies.
- Patient education is one of several conservative interventions for mechanical neck disorders.
- This review focuses on the efficacy of patient education strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of patient education on pain in adults with mechanical neck disorders.
- To determine if patient education is an effective therapeutic intervention for mechanical neck disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized trials and controlled clinical trials.
- Searched multiple databases (Medline, Embase, etc.) from 1985 to 1993.
- Independent assessment of trial quality and data extraction by three reviewers.
Main Results:
- Three trials were included, with varying methodological quality.
- One trial showed no significant pain reduction with group education (neck school) and exercise.
- Another trial found no significant pain reduction with individualized advice and medication compared to placebo.
- A third trial showed temporary pain relief with comprehensive advice and exercises, but differences diminished over time.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support the use of individual or group patient education strategies for reducing pain in mechanical neck disorders.
- The included trials had limitations, including lack of statistical power and methodological weaknesses.