Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients Research Articles

Utilizing machine learning to predict post-treatment outcomes in chronic non-specific neck pain patients undergoing cervical extension traction

This study explored the application of machine learning in predicting post-treatment outcomes for chronic neck pain patients undergoing a multimodal program featuring cervical extension traction (CET). Pre-treatment demographic and clinical variables were used to develop predictive models capable of anticipating modifications in cervical lordotic angle (CLA), pain and disability of 570 patients treated between 2014 and 2020. Linear regression models used pre-treatment variables of age, body mass index, CLA, anterior head translation, disability index, pain score, treatment frequency, duration and compliance. These models used the sci-kit-learn machine learning library within Python for implementing linear regression algorithms. The linear regression models demonstrated high precision and accuracy, and effectively explained 30–55% of the variability in post-treatment outcomes, the highest for the CLA. This pioneering study integrates machine learning into spinal rehabilitation. The developed models offer valuable information to customize interventions, set realistic expectations, and optimize treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics as treated conservatively with rehabilitation programs using CET as part of multimodal care.

Efficacy of physiotherapy intervention on craniovertebral and craniohorizontal angle using on protractor mobile app and neck muscle strength in chronic nonspecific neck pain

Introduction and Aim: The chronic nonspecific neck pain is common in all age groups since it is non-specific it may be due to any reasons right from school children to elderly. Factors like muscle strain, worn joints, nerve compression, poor posture, neck pain are found to reduce the cervical angle. The aim of the study is to find the efficacy of physiotherapy intervention on craniovertebral angle, craniohorizontal angle, neck muscle strength and hand grip in subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain. Materials and Methods: The subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain (n=30) were selected randomly from the physiotherapy outpatient department of ACS medical college and hospital as per inclusion criteria and divided into two groups. The pre-test and post-test measurements of craniovertebral and craniohorizontal angles, craniovertebral angle were measured using on protractor mobile app. The neck muscle strength was measured using modified dial sphygmomanometer and hand grip was measured using hand held dynamometer. Group A received craniocervical flexion exercise and group B received stretching and strengthening for a period of 12 weeks. Post test was conducted after 12 weeks. Results: The comparison within Group A and Group B pre- and post-test values in both groups showed highly significant difference in mean values at P ? 0.001, but group A which has a higher mean value is more effective in craniovertebral angle, craniohorizontal angle, neck muscle strength (Flexor and Extensor) and hand grip. Conclusion: The craniocervical flexion exercise given to chronic nonspecific neck pain patients was found to reduce neck pain by improving the neck muscle strength, hand grip strength and by correcting the craniocervical and craniohorizontal angles.

The effectiveness of telerehabilitation-based structured exercise therapy for chronic nonspecific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of telerehabilitation-based remote supervised or unsupervised structured exercise therapy on pain, disability, and quality of life related to chronic nonspecific neck pain. Method The study was designed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Sixty-six eligible chronic nonspecific neck pain patients were randomized across three groups: remote supervised group (RSG, n = 22), unsupervised group (UG, n = 22), and waitlist control group (CG, n = 22). Progressive structured exercise therapy program was delivered weekly to patients in remote supervised group and unsupervised group to perform four days a week for four weeks. Remote supervised group was supervised by videoconference and text message. Pain, disability, and quality of life of participants were assessed at baseline, week 2, and post-therapy. Results Post-therapy pain and disability total change scores were −3.64 (95% CI −4.85 to −2.42) and −7.27 (95% CI −11.05 to −3.50) for remote supervised group compared with a change of −2.44 (95% CI −3.46 to −1.43) and −5.77 (95% CI −8.54 to −3.01) for unsupervised group, respectively. Post-therapy, quality of life improvements were greater for remote supervised group than unsupervised group overall (general health; remote supervised group: 19.01 (95% CI 6.86 to 31.16), unsupervised group: 12.50 (95% CI 4.79 to 20.21), and physical health; remote supervised group: 18.35 (95% CI 10.35 to 26.35), unsupervised group: 7.31 (95% CI 0.01 to 14.60)). Significant improvements in psychological health and environment-telerehabilitation for remote supervised group were not seen for unsupervised group and outcomes differences did not reach significance for control group (p > 0.05) post-therapy, except environment-telerehabilitation. Discussion Structured exercise therapy can improve chronic nonspecific neck pain outcomes when remotely supervised or unsupervised. Structured exercise therapy content and frequent communication are important for remote chronic nonspecific neck pain management.

Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the pain anxiety symptom scale (PASS-20) in chronic non-specific neck pain patients.

Pain-related anxiety has been linked to avoidance behaviour, maintenance of pain and disability. A valid and reliable tool is required to evaluate pain-related anxiety among Persian speaking adults with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP). This study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Persian pain anxiety symptom scale-20 (PASS-20) according to the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN) checklist in Iranian adults with CNSNP. 198 individuals with CNSNP completed the PASS-20. The factorial structure (confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA)), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC)), internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), and construct validity (convergent and known-group validity) were assessed. The correlation between PASS-20 with pain catastrophizing scale (PCS), Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), neck disability index (NDI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), visual analog scale (VAS) (Spearman's rank correlation) were examined. Known-group validity of PASS-20 was evaluated by comparing the difference between the PASS-20 scores of the known groups based on level of disability, pain intensity and gender using non-parametric tests. The CFA showed almost the best fit with the original version. The subscales and total score demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.70-0.92) and high test-retest reliability (ICC: 0.94-0.97). PASS-20 had significant moderate correlations with PCS, TSK, NDI, VAS and a significant low correlation with BDI. Regarding known-group validity, the total score of Persian PASS-20 was higher in CNSNP with higher levels of pain and disability and in the female gender. The Persian PASS-20 has acceptable psychometric properties in adults with CNSNP. The results of the factor analysis supported the four-factor structure comparable to the original version. 921672004.

INYBI: A New Tool for Self-Myofascial Release of the Suboccipital Muscles in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

A randomized, single-blinded (the outcome assessor was unaware of participants' allocation group) controlled clinical trial. To investigate the effects of myofascial release therapy (MRT) over the suboccipital muscles, compared with self-MRT using a novel device, the INYBI tool, on pain-related outcomes, active cervical mobility, and vertical mouth opening, in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain (NSNP). MRT is used to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, with purported positive effects. The efficacy of self-MRT, compared with MRT, has been scarcely evaluated. Fifty-eight participants (mean age of 34.6 ± 4.7 yrs; range 21-40 yrs; 77.6% females, 22.4% males) with persistent NSNP agreed to participate, and were equally distributed into an INYBI (n = 29) or a control group (n = 29). Both groups underwent a single 5-minutes intervention session. For participants in the control group, MRT of the suboccipital muscles was performed using the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique, while those in the INYBI group underwent a self-MRT intervention using the INYBI device. Primary measurements were taken of pain intensity (visual analogue scale), local pressure pain sensitivity, as assessed with an algometer, and active cervical range-of-movement. Secondary outcomes included pain-free vertical mouth opening. Outcomes were collected at baseline, immediately after intervention and 45 minutes later. The analysis of variance (ANOVAs) demonstrated no significant between-groups effect for any variable (all, P > 0.05). In the within-groups comparison, all participants significantly improved pain-related outcomes, and showed similar positive changes for mouth opening. Cervical range-of-movement- mainly increased after intervention for participants in the control group. Both, MRT and self-MRT using the INYBI, are equally effective to enhance self-reported pain intensity, and local pressure pain sensitivity in chronic NSNP patients. For cervical mobility, MRT appears to be slighlty superior, compared with the INYBI, to achieve improvements in this population. 2.

Is Cervical Traction Effective in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients With Unsatisfactory NSAID Control? A Nomogram to Predict Effectiveness

In this retrospective study, our objective was to establish a nomogram to predict the effectiveness of cervical traction in young and middle-aged chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) patients with unsatisfactory nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) control. For CNNP patients with unsatisfactory NSAID control, the effectiveness of cervical traction varies. Neck muscle fat infiltration and clinical features may associate with the effectiveness. A total of 186 suitable patients were classified into a training data set (from August 2015 to July 2018, n= 118) and a validation data set (from August 2018 to June 2019, n= 68) with time sequence. All patients were included to receive magnetic resonance imaging scan to calculate posterior cervical fat and muscle features, then undergoing unified cervical traction in an outpatient clinic. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to select potentially relevant features to predict effectiveness possibility of cervical traction. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the predicting model, presenting with a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed based on its calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility. Through the LASSO regression model, we identified 4 predictors including sex, good exercise compliance, the ratio of the cross-sectional area (CSA) between fat and muscle on C5 level (C5 fat CSA/muscle CSA), the ratio of CSA between fat and centrum on C5 level (C5 fat CSA/centrum muscle CSA). The nomogram provided good calibration and discrimination in the training cohort, showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.704 (95% CI, 0.608-0.799) and good concordance between the predicted and actual probabilities with Spiegelhalter's Z-test (P= 0.835). Discrimination of the model in the validation data set was acceptable, with AUC of 0.691 (95% CI, 0.564-0.817). Decision curve analysis revealed the nomogram to be clinically useful. Male sex, good exercise compliance, lower C5 fat CSA/centrum CSA, and and lower C5 fat CSA/muscle CSA could be favorable features to predict the effectiveness of cervical traction in CNNP patients with unsatisfactory NSAID control.

An observational pilot study to compare the strength and endurance of neck muscles of chronic neck pain patients as compared to age- and gender-matched controls using a handheld dynamometer

Context: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Strength and endurance measurements of neck muscles can be of substantial help to evaluate the basic condition and examine whether the rehabilitation protocol has been beneficial or not. Aims: The aim was to propose a technique to use handheld dynamometer for measurement of strength of neck muscles and study the strength and endurance of neck muscles in chronic nonspecific neck pain patients as compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Settings and Design: It is a cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methodology: Neck muscle strength and endurance was measured in patients with neck pain (n = 30) and without neck pain (n = 30). Statistical Analysis Used: Test–retest reliability, Man–Whitney U-test, and ratio analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for the technique used to measure neck muscle strength was found reliable and valid. The mean of neck flexor and extensor strength in neck pain patients was 2.97 ± 1.09 kg and 4.70 ± 0.87 kg (P Conclusions: Handheld dynamometer is a reliable tool to measure the strength of neck muscles. Strength and endurance of neck muscles chronic neck pain patients is significantly lower as compared to age- and gender-matched controls.

Optimal Duration of Stretching Exercises for Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain Patients

Optimal Duration of Stretching Exercises for Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain Patients

Strength and Range of Motion in the Contralateral Side to Pain and Pain-Free Regions in Unilateral Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients.

The aim of the study was to determine whether strength and range of motion deficits are present in patients with unilateral chronic neck pain at contralateral side to pain and at other regions. Forty-nine patients with unilateral chronic neck pain and 98 asymptomatic subjects participated in this case-control study. Range of motion and muscle strength of the cervical, shoulder, trunk, and hip regions were assessed bilaterally using inclinometer and dynamometer, respectively. Chronic neck pain patients demonstrated reduced cervical, shoulder, and trunk range of motion in their ipsilateral side to pain comparing the asymptomatic participants (P < 0.05). The ipsilateral side to pain cervical and shoulder range of motion were also significantly lower than the contralateral side to pain (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also observable in the contralateral side to pain comparing the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). Cervical, shoulder, and scapulothoracic muscles were found weaker both in the ipsilateral side to pain and contralateral side to pain comparing the asymptomatic group (P < 0.05). Ipsilateral side to pain and contralateral side to pain in hip flexors were also found to be significantly weaker than the asymptomatic group (P < 0.01). The results revealed range of motion and strength deficits in the pain-free regions of the body in unilateral chronic neck pain patients. Findings support the regional interdependence theory and emphasize the need for managing seemingly intact neighboring and more remote regions in unilateral chronic neck pain patients.

Acupotomy Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective This review is to assess the efficacy and safety of acupotomy therapy in chronic nonspecific neck pain. MethodsWe searched six computerised databases. Randomized controlled trials incorporating acupotomy therapy alone or combined with other conventional treatments for chronic nonspecific neck pain were included. Two reviewers screened each literature and extracted data independently according to Cochrane Reviews' Handbook (5.1). The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3 software was applied for meta-analysis. Results A total of ten trials involving 433 patients were enrolled. The pooled analysis indicated that acupotomy therapy showed a significant improving short-term and long-term effect on effective rate and cure rate. Meta-analysis demonstrated that acupotomy therapy group was superior to control group in restoring cervical lordosis and debasing VAS score. The result of continuous data did not support statistical significance of acupotomy therapy in adjusting clinical symptom score. For adverse events, acupotomy group did not reveal obvious superiority compared to control group. Conclusions Acupotomy therapy may be beneficial to chronic nonspecific neck pain patients. To strengthen supportive evidence, future, more rigorously designed clinical trials, adequate adverse events, and follow-up project are recommended.

Cost-effectiveness of manual therapy versus physiotherapy in patients with sub-acute and chronic neck pain: a randomised controlled trial

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of manual therapy according to the Utrecht School (MTU) in comparison with physiotherapy (PT) in sub-acute and chronic non-specific neck pain patients from a societal perspective. An economic evaluation was conducted alongside a 52-week randomized controlled trial, in which 90 patients were randomized to the MTU group and 91 to the PT group. Clinical outcomes included perceived recovery (yes/no), functional status (continuous and yes/no), and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Costs were measured from a societal perspective using self-reported questionnaires. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. To estimate statistical uncertainty, bootstrapping techniques were used. After 52weeks, there were no significant between-group differences in clinical outcomes. During follow-up, intervention costs (β:€-32; 95%CI: -54 to -10) and healthcare costs (β:€-126; 95%CI: -235 to -32) were significantly lower in the MTU group than in the PT group, whereas unpaid productivity costs were significantly higher (β:€186; 95%CI:19-557). Societal costs did not significantly differ between groups (β:€-96; 95%CI:-1975-2022). For QALYs and functional status (yes/no), the maximum probability of MTU being cost-effective in comparison with PT was low (≤0.54). For perceived recovery (yes/no) and functional status (continuous), a large amount of money must be paid per additional unit of effect to reach a reasonable probability of cost-effectiveness. From a societal perspective, MTU was not cost-effective in comparison with PT in patients with sub-acute and chronic non-specific neck pain for perceived recovery, functional status, and QALYs. As no clear total societal cost and effect differences were found between MTU and PT, the decision about what intervention to administer, reimburse, and/or implement can be based on the preferences of the patient and the decision-maker at hand. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00713843.

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Exercises in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients

Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Exercises in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain Patients

Differences in Neural Mechanosensitivity Between Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain With and Without Neuropathic Features. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

To assess differences in neural mechanosensitivity between patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain with and without neuropathic features (NF and No-NF, respectively). Descriptive, cross-sectional study. A primary care center, a hospital physiotherapy outpatient department, and a university campus. Chronic nonspecific neck pain patients classified by the self-completed leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs pain scale (S-LANSS; 49 patients with NF [S-LANSS ≥ 12] and 50 patients with No-NF [S-LANSS < 12]) and a healthy control group (n = 48). The primary measurements were the mechanosensitivity of the median nerve and cervical region, specifically the assessment of the onset of symptoms and submaximal pain intensity according to the upper limb neural test 1 (ULNT1) for the median nerve and the modified passive neck flexion test (MPNFT) for the cervical region; secondary measurements included pain intensity, neck disability, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing. Statistically significant differences between the NF and No-NF groups were found with respect to the onset of symptoms of ULNT1 (-15.11 [-23.19 to -7.03]) and MPNFT (-6.58 [-11.54 to -1.62]), as well as the outcomes of the visual analogue scale (Mean difference [95% Confidence Interval]; 7.12 [1.81-12.42]) and neck disability index (3.72 [1.72-5.71]). Both chronic nonspecific neck pain groups showed statistically significant differences compared with the control group for all outcomes assessed (P < 0.01) except for the onset of symptoms of ULNT1 in the No-NF group. The findings of this study suggest that chronic nonspecific neck pain patients with NF have greater neural mechanosensitivity, pain intensity, and neck disability than those with No-NF.

慢性非特異的頚部痛症例における頚部身体イメージの変質と臨床症状との関係

Several studies have demonstrated that perceived body image of pain region is distorted in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chronic non–specific lower back pain and phantom limb pain. Moreover, perceived body image was associated with abnormal pain sensation in patients with these conditions. However, it is not well known whether patients with chronic non–specific neck pain (CNSNP) have symptoms and distorted perceived body image like chronic non–specific lower back pain. The purpose of the present study was to examine based on body image drawings whether two point discrimination (TPD) and selected clinical findings are different in subgroups of individuals with CNSNP. Twenty patients with CNSNP and healthy volunteers were assessed through perceived body image, TPD. CNSNP patients were also assessed through clinical profiles (pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and fear avoidance beliefs). Perceived body image of neck was assessed by drawing their own outline of neck as they feel in their mind. Of patients with CNSNP, 50% reported that they had distorted body image and significantly different to control group. This result suggested that pathological condition of CNSNP was associated with cortical dysfunction as well as CRPS, chronic non–specific lower back pain and phantom limb pain. In the secondary analysis, we divided patients with CNSNP into two groups by the presence or absence of distorted body image (normal image; NI group, distorted image; DI group) and compared TPD threshold and clinical symptoms in three group (NI , DI and control group). TPD threshold of NI–pain side and DI–pain side were significantly higher than control. All other clinical symptoms were not significantly different in three groups. We couldn’t find the factor that was specifically associated with distorted body image of patients with CNSNP in the present study. Further study is needed to elucidate the clinical factors associated with perceived body image.

The effect of traditional cupping on pain and mechanical thresholds in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain: a randomised controlled pilot study.

Introduction. Cupping has been used since antiquity in the treatment of pain conditions. In this pilot study, we investigated the effect of traditional cupping therapy on chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNP) and mechanical sensory thresholds. Methods. Fifty CNP patients were randomly assigned to treatment (TG, n = 25) or waiting list control group (WL, n = 25). TG received a single cupping treatment. Pain at rest (PR), pain related to movement (PM), quality of life (SF-36), Neck Disability Index (NDI), mechanical detection (MDT), vibration detection (MDT), and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured before and three days after a single cupping treatment. Patients also kept a pain and medication diary (PaDi, MeDi) during the study. Results. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. After cupping TG reported significantly less pain (PR: −17.9 mm VAS, 95%CI −29.2 to −6.6; PM: −19.7, 95%CI −32.2 to −7.2; PaDi: −1.5 points on NRS, 95%CI −2.5 to −0.4; all P < 0.05) and higher quality of life than WL (SF-36, Physical Functioning: 7.5, 95%CI 1.4 to 13.5; Bodily Pain: 14.9, 95%CI 4.4 to 25.4; Physical Component Score: 5.0, 95%CI 1.4 to 8.5; all P < 0.05). No significant effect was found for NDI, MDT, or VDT, but TG showed significantly higher PPT at pain-areas than WL (in lg(kPa); pain-maximum: 0.088, 95%CI 0.029 to 0.148, pain-adjacent: 0.118, 95%CI 0.038 to 0.199; both P < 0.01). Conclusion. A single application of traditional cupping might be an effective treatment for improving pain, quality of life, and hyperalgesia in CNP.

The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on the Efficacy of a Rehabilitation Protocol for Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

Objective This pilot study sought to (1) determine whether a 4-week period of chiropractic care improved the ability of chronic neck pain patients to respond to an 8-week period of exercise rehabilitation and (2) determine effect sizes to use in sample size calculations for future studies. Methods Twenty male and female participants (age, 43 ± 12 years; body mass index, 27 ± 4.5 [mean ± SD]) with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomized into either a chiropractic care combined with exercise or an exercise only group. Group 1 received 4 weeks of chiropractic care, and group 2 waited 4 weeks before both groups participated in an 8-week exercise intervention. The following outcome measures were assessed in week 1 (baseline), week 4, and at week 12: Neck Disability Index (NDI); Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), both now and worst; neck flexion-relaxation response; and feed-forward activation (FFA) times. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the changes in the NDI and VAS over time. Effect sizes were calculated for changes in neuromuscular parameters. Results There were significant decreases in the NDI score ( P < .001) and VAS in ( P < .005) in both groups with no significant differences between the groups. Effect sizes (ESs) were as follows: NDI (.293); VAS now (.175); VAS worst (.392); flexion-relaxation (.636); FFA times: sternocleidomastoid (.1321), anterior scalene (.195). This lead to sample size estimates as follows: flexion-relaxation response, 64 subjects per group; NDI, 145 subjects per group; VAS, 166 subjects per group. Conclusions Chiropractic care combined with exercise and exercise alone are both effective at reducing functional disability and pain in chronic nonspecific neck pain patients. Future studies will need at least 64 subjects per group to determine if there are differences between the groups and if these differences are attributable to changes in neuromuscular measures.