Further studies are needed to assess the competing therapies for neck pain

Abstract

While reading the review by Ernst 16 in this issue of the Journal of Pain, we asked ourselves, “Has this review helped us advance the science around the treatment of neck pain, or not?” The answer is mixed. Although there is a clear need for more randomized trials in neck pain in general, including manipulative techniques, there are methodologic issues in this review and unsupported statements of opinion that give us pause. We would first like to address some the methodologic issues and provide alternate points of view and then address the issue of chiropractic spinal manipulation in the broader context of neck pain management.