Functional deficits are more prognostic of outcome measures than pain levels in patients with neck pain. This study highlights how evaluating the best care and treatment options for patients who present with cervical spine issues based on functional deficits rather than pain intensity can improve clinical decision-making.
Pain is typically the last symptom to appear and the first symptom to leave when dealing with spinal pain. It is only after the body has exceeded its tolerance to adapt that pain begins. In the absence of an acute injury, the dysfunction (biomechanical or functional) has usually been present for an extended period of time.
When evaluating patients with neck pain, the research highlights the importance of not accelerating the advanced interventions too early for patients with significant pain. Even with a high pain level, an overwhelming majority of people will find relief through movement-based conservative care that will help them feel and function better.
“The model showed highest predictive performance with NDI as an outcome and poorest with pain intensity as an outcome.”
“There were small to moderate improvements for all outcomes from baseline to 12 weeks.”
“Our results show that with the chosen set of predictors, disability is more accurately predicted than pain intensity.”
We believe patients have better outcomes when their health professionals
work together.
