7-year neck pain study sheds light on best care
Yesterday’s publication of a 7-year, international study brings to light that some alternative therapies such as acupuncture, neck manipulation, massage, exercises, education, neck mobilization, low level laser therapy and pain relievers are better choices for managing most common neck pain than many current therapeutic interventions.
The study found that use of neck collars are not helpful and that corticosteroid injections and surgery should only be used if there are other issues besides pain, such as pain, weakness or numbness in the arm.
Researchers from around the world took part in this study. “Neck pain is not a trivial condition for many people,” says Task Force president Dr. Scott Haldeman, clinical professor, department of neurology at the University of California, Irvine; and adjunct professor, department of epidemiology University of California Los Angeles. “It can be associated with headaches, arm and upper back pain and depression. Whether it arises from sports injuries, car collisions, workplace issues or stress, it can be incapacitating. Understanding the best way to diagnose and manage this problem is of high importance for those who are suffering and for those who manage and pay for its care.”
Please click here to read the rest of this story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Technorati Tags: neck pain
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Back & neck pain, Chronic Pain, Pain Management
3 opinions for 7-year neck pain study sheds light on best care
Allison
Feb 16, 2008 at 8:40 pm
This was a very interesting post. my neck pain couls be caused by any of the things mentipned and contributed to other symptoms
Marijke Durning, RN
Feb 17, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Hi Allison,
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. It’s nice to hear that the information is helpful to people.
Old Wife
Feb 17, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I had Stage 3 neck pain in the early 90s (from falling off an ex-racehorse!). I suffered for 18 months and went through physio, traction, medication, more physio and finally got better. I’ve had flareups since, but I think the education I got with the second physiotherapist was key to keeping my pain and other symptoms under control. I know manage my own care (posture, ice, heat, medication, my own neck manipulation when required). Like back pain, understand the condition is really important to preventing more pain & coping with symptoms.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: