Abstract
BackgroundNeck pain is a major health problem in populations worldwide and an economic burden in modern societies due to its high prevalence and costs in terms of health care expenditures and lost productivity. Massage and exercise therapy are widely used management options for neck pain. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness for subacute and long-lasting neck pain. This study protocol describes a randomized controlled trial aiming to determine the effect of massage and/or exercise therapy on subacute and long-lasting neck pain over the course of 1 year.Methods/DesignA randomized controlled trial in which at least 600 study participants with subacute or long-lasting nonspecific neck pain will be recruited and randomly allocated to one of four treatment arms: massage therapy (A), exercise therapy (B), exercise therapy plus massage therapy (C) and advice to stay active (D). The study has an E-health approach, and study participants are being recruited through advertising with a mix of traditional and online marketing channels. Web-based self-report questionnaires measure the main outcomes at 7, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after inclusion. The primary outcomes are a clinically important improvement in pain intensity and pain-related disability at follow-up, measured with a modified version of the Chronic Pain Questionnaire (CPQ). The secondary outcomes are global improvement, health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), sick leave, drug consumption and healthcare utilization. Adverse events are measured by questionnaires at return visits to the clinic, and automated text messages (SMSes) survey neck pain intensity and pain-related disability every week over one year.DiscussionThe results of this study will provide clinicians and stakeholders much needed knowledge to plan medical care for subacute and long-lasting neck pain disorders.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN01453590. Date of registration: 3 July 2014.
Highlights
Neck pain is a major health problem in populations worldwide and an economic burden in modern societies due to its high prevalence and costs in terms of health care expenditures and lost productivity
14 % to 71 % of the adults are affected by neck pain at some point in their lives [4]
Regarding exercise therapy for mechanical neck disorders, a Cochrane review concludes that neck stretching and strengthening were of benefit in study participants with chronic neck pain for reducing pain and improving function in the short term
Summary
Neck pain is one of the most challenging public health issues worldwide. Given its prevalence, the need to assess effective approaches for neck disorders is of prime importance. Management of non-specific neck pain disorders often includes massage therapy as well as exercise therapy intervention or promotion, little is known about the effectiveness, side effects and costeffectiveness of such therapies. Scientific evidence supports such therapies for the treatment of low back pain, but their effectiveness for neck pain has not been established. This RCT aims to increase the knowledge on the efficiency, cost and safety of these commonly used treatments for neck pain.
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