Study Design
Best evidence synthesis.
Objective
To report on gaps in the literature and make methodologic recommendations based on our review of the literature on frequency and risk factors, assessment, intervention, and course and prognostic factors for neck pain and its associated disorders.
Summary of Background Data
The scientific literature on neck pain is large and of variable quality. We reviewed 1203 studies and judged 46 to be of sufficient scientific validity to be included in the best evidence synthesis. Scientific quality varied across study topics, and fundamental questions remain about important issues.
Methods
The Bone and Joint Decade 2000 –2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) conducted a critical review of the literature published between 1980 and 2006 to assemble the best evidence on neck pain and its associated disorders. Studies meeting criteria for scientific validity were included in a best evidence synthesis.
Results
We outline a large number of gaps in the current literature. For example,we found important gaps in our knowledge about neck pain in children (risk factors, screening criteria to rule out serious injury, management, course and prognosis); and in the prevention of neck pain-related activity limitations. Few studies addressed the impact of culture or social policies (such as governmental health policies or insurance compensation policies) on neck pain. A number of important questions remain about the effectiveness of commonly used interventions for neck pain.
Conclusion
The Neck Pain Task Force undertook a best evidence synthesis to establish a baseline of the current best evidence on the course and prognosis for whiplash-associated disorders. We identify a number of gaps in the current knowledge, and provide recommendations for the conduct of future studies.
References
Carragee EJ, Hurwitz EL, Cheng I, et al. Treatment of neck pain: Injections and surgical interventions. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; 33(Suppl):S153–S169.
Carroll LJ, Hogg-Johnson S, van der Velde G, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in the general population. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S75–S82.
Carroll LJ, Holm LW, Hogg-Johnson S, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S83–S92.
Carroll LJ,Hogg-Johnson S, Cô té P, et al. Course and prognostic factors for neck pain in workers. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S93–S100.
Cô té P, van der Velde G, Cassidy JD, et al. The burden and determinants of neck pain in workers. Results of the Bone and Joint 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S60 –S74.
Hogg-Johnson S, van der Velde G, Carroll LJ, et al. The burden and determinants of neck pain in the general population: Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S39 –S51.
Holm LW, Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, et al. The burden and determinants of neck pain in whiplash-associated disorders after traffic collisions: Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S52–S59.
Hurwitz EL, Carragee EJ, van der Velde G, et al. Treatment of neck pain: Non-invasive interventions. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000– 2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; 33(Suppl):S123–S152.
Nordin M, Carragee EJ, Hogg-Johnson S, et al. Assessment of neck pain and its associated disorders. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; 33(Suppl):S101–S122.
Carroll LJ, Cassidy JD, Peloso PM, et al. Methods for the best evidence synthesis on neck pain and its associated disorders. The Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33(Suppl):S33–S38.
Spitzer WO, Skovron ML, Salmi LR, et al. Scientific monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders: redefining “whiplash” and its management. Spine 1995;20:1S–73S.
Buchbinder R, Jolley D,WyattM. 2001 Volvo AwardWinner in Clinical Studies: Effects of a media campaign on back pain beliefs and its potential influence on management of low back pain in general practice. Spine 2001;26:2535–42.
Buchbinder R, Jolley D,Wyatt M. (2001). Population based intervention to change back pain beliefs and disability: three part evaluation. BMJ 322:1516–20
Buchbinder R, Jolley D. (2004). Population based intervention to change back pain beliefs: three year follow up population survey. BMJ 328:321
Buchbinder R, Jolley D. Effects of a media campaign on back beliefs is sustained 3 years after its cessation. Spine 2005;30:1323–30.
Guzman J, Hurwitz EL, Carroll LJ, et al. A conceptual model for the course and care of neck pain. Results of The Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008; 33(Suppl):S14 –S23.
Feinstein AR. (1996). Multivariable Analysis: An Introduction. New Haven, Yale University Press.
Katz M H. (1999). Multivariable Analysis. A Practical Guide for Clinicians. Cambridge U.K., Cambridge University Press.
Rothman KJ. Epidemiology. An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2002.
Sackett DL, Haynes RB. (2002). The architecture of diagnostic research. BMJ 324:539–41
Altman DG, Schultz KF, Moher D, et al. (2001). The revised CONSORT statement for reporting randomized trials: explanation and elaboration. JAMA 134:663–94
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
The manuscript submitted does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s).
Corporate/Industry, Foundation, and Professional Organizational funds were received in support of this work. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Carroll, L.J., Hurwitz, E.L., Côté, P. et al. Research Priorities and Methodological Implications. Eur Spine J 17 (Suppl 1), 214–220 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-008-0638-5
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-008-0638-5