Plat E, Scherer M, Van Weel C. The treatment of neck pain. A systematic review. Huisarts Wet 2007;50(13):660-5.
Introduction Neck pain is, besides low back pain and shoulder complaints, the most common complaint of the musculoskeletal apparatus. In The Netherlands there is no guideline available for the treatment of neck pain. The aim of this review is to present the available evidence for the effective treatment of neck pain in primary care.
Methods We systematically reviewed the literature to the treatment of neck pain using the databases Cinahl, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane. Two researchers independently judged the available papers for inclusion and on scientific level of evidence.
Results After selection of 157 publications 41 met the criteria for inclusion. There are few scientific papers available about the medicinal treatment of neck pain. Therapies supplied by paramedics are in relative large amounts available, but are often of poor methodological quality.
Discussion Acute neck pain can be treated conservative or with analgesics. For subacute and chronic neck pain manual therapy, especially in combination with excercise therapy, is the best option to treat patients. Other paramedic treatments are discussed. There is a need for further research of good quality in the field of paramedic treatments.