Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review and update the evidence for different forms of manual therapy (MT) and exercise for patients with different stages of non-specific neck pain (NP). Data sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane-Register-of-Controlled-Trials, PEDro, EMBASE.

METHOD:

A qualitative systematic review covering a period from January 2000 to December 2015 was conducted according to updated-guidelines. Specific inclusion criteria only on RCTs were used; including differentiation according to stages of NP (acute – subacute [ASNP] or chronic [CNP]), as well as sub-classification based on type of MT interventions: MT1 (HVLA manipulation); MT2 (mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques); MT3 (MT1 $+$ MT2); and MT4 (Mobilization-with-Movement). In each sub-category, MT could be combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care.

RESULTS:

Initially 121 studies were identified for potential inclusion. Based on qualitative and quantitative evaluation criteria, 23 RCTs were identified for review. Evidence for ASNP: MODERATE-evidence: In favour of (i) MT1 to the cervical spine (Cx) combined with exercises when compared to MT1 to the thoracic spine (Tx) combined with exercises; (ii) MT3 to the Cx and Tx combined with exercise compared to MT2 to the Cx with exercise or compared to usual medical care for pain and satisfaction with care from short to long-term. Evidence for CNP: STRONG-evidence: Of no difference of efficacy between MT2 at the symptomatic Cx level(s) in comparison to MT2 on asymptomatic Cx level(s) for pain and function. MODERATE to STRONG-evidence: In favour of MT1 and MT3 on Cx and Tx with exercise in comparison to exercise or MT alone for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general-health from short to moderate-terms. MODERATE-evidence: In favour (i) of MT1 as compared to MT2 and MT4, all applied to the Cx, for neck mobility, and pain in the very short term; (ii) of MT2 using sof-tissue-techniques to the Cx and Tx or MT3 to the Cx and Tx in comparison to no-treatment in the short-term for pain and disability.

CONCLUSION:

This systematic review updates the evidence for MT combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for different stages of NP and provides recommendations for future studies. Two majors points could be highlighted, the first one is that combining different forms of MT with exercise is better than MT or exercise alone, and the second one is that mobilization need not be applied at the symptomatic level(s) for improvements of NP patients. These both points may have clinical implications for reducing the risk involved with some MT techniques applied to the cervical spine.

Keywords

Manual Therapy musculoskeletal manipulation exercise neck pain evidence based practice systematic review

1. Introduction

Non-specific neck pain (NP) is defined as pain in the posterior and lateral aspect of the neck between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra with no signs or symptoms of major structural pathology and no or minor to major interference with activities of daily life as well as with the absence of neurological signs and specific pathologies; such as: traumatic sprain and fracture, tumour, infectious or inflammatory cervical spondylolysis, etc. [72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80]. It accounts for around 25% of all outpatient visits to physiotherapy [72, 73, 74, 75] with a life-time incidence rate of 12 to 70% among the general population [73, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80], although men are less likely to be affected than women [79, 81, 82, 83, 84]. Most people with NP do not experience a complete resolution of symptoms with 50–85% reporting recurrence 1 to 5 years later [80]. Consequently, NP results in enormous health-costs in terms of treatment, lost wages and work absenteeism [78, 81, 84]. Despite its major prevalence and socioeconomic consequences, NP is the “poor cousin” to low back pain in terms of research investigation [77, 78]. In most cases a specific diagnosis cannot be made and NP is labelled non-specific, because of the multifactorial etiology [80, 81, 85, 86].

Within a “Bio-Psycho-Social” framework, a number of factors could be considered to contribute to NP. These include non-modifiable risk factors related to patho-anatomical features (e.g. history of trauma, age, gender and genetics) and adjustable risk factors, which are more related to psychosocial features (e.g. smoking, physical activity and sedentary life style, beliefs, coping style, expectations, and work satisfaction). These factors may also contribute to the transition from acute to chronic pain status [79, 80, 81, 82, 86, 87].

Conservative treatments used to help manage NP are numerous and include usual medical care (UMC: i.e. face to face interview, education, reassurance, medication, ergonomic and stay active advice), various forms of exercise, massage, and acupuncture among others, but there is a lack of evidence regarding their relative efficacy [76, 78, 80]. Manual therapy (MT) is also an increasingly popular treatment available to people with NP and many countries include MT in national guidelines for treating musculoskeletal disorders [79, 88, 89]. In general terms, these treatments are considered to be more useful than no intervention or placebo treatments [72, 76, 80, 81, 82, 85, 88]. MT includes both passive techniques (hands-on) and active techniques (hands-off) and should be used within a clinically reasoned and evidence-based-practice framework [89, 90, 91]. The aim of MT in the context of NP is to decrease pain, improve movement, motor control, and function and thereby reduce disability [79, 88, 89, 90, 91].

A recent systematic review (SR) from Hidalgo et al. [91] examined the efficacy of different common forms of MT for low back pain which had been reported in the literature or used in clinical practice. In that review, three categories of MT were identified and their efficacy examined according to specific inclusion criteria (both qualitative and quantitative). These categories were MT1 comprising high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation (HVLA), MT2 comprising a range of spinal mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques, MT3 being MT2 combined with MT1. All categories could be combined or not with exercise (general or specific) and/or with UMC [91]. In addition to these forms of MT, mobilization-with-movement (MWM; i.e. MT4) is an increasingly popular form of treatment used clinically for a range of musculoskeletal disorders and receiving increasing research attention [92, 93].

Figure 1.

PRISMA flowchart of inclusion.

This type of rigorous systematic review of different forms of MT combined or not with exercise and compared with UMC has not yet been reported for NP. For example, previous reviews have reported that MT is more effective than a placebo treatment or no treatment at all for NP, but failed to establish levels of evidence for other forms of treatment such as UMC or exercise in comparison to MT. Moreover, these studies have not adequately investigated which MT approach when combined with UMC or exercise, is more effective for NP [75, 88, 94]. However, the number of studies investigating MT for NP has recently increased, possibly in part due to its popularity and use in clinical practice. Hence, there are a number of recently published trials that have not been considered in previous SRs of NP [75, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100]. Further, the SRs published to date on NP, are not up to date, rarely focus on NP in isolation (more often including headache, radiculopathy, and whiplash) have not considered low risk of bias studies (methodological quality $\geqslant$ 7/11 on the Cochrane checklist), and did not perform comprehensive analysis based on MT classification combined or not with UMC and/or exercise to establish the strength of the evidence. Thus, the aim of this SR is to inform clinicians, patients and policy makers of the best current evidence for a clinical-informed approach of the use of MT for NP, because there is a need for an updated and comprehensive SR on MT efficacy for NP.

2. Methods

This SR was conducted in accordance with the Co- chrane Collaboration Back Review Group (CCBRG) and PRISMA updated guidelines for SR [95, 101] and is based on the methodology and design of a previous qualitative-SR [91].

2.1 Search strategy

A literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 1 ${}^{\rm st}$ January 2000 and 31 ${}^{\rm st}$ December 2015, on the efficacy of MT in the treatment of NP was conducted by two reviewers in four electronic databases: MEDLINE (PUBMED), Cochrane-Register-of-Controlled-Trials (CRCT), Physiotherapy-Evidence-Database (P-EDro), EMBASE. The detailed search strategy in MEDLINE is presented in Appendix 1, and was adapted to search in the other databases. Based on information revealed in the titles and abstracts, a first selection of articles was performed using the inclusion criteria based on consensus between experts (i.e. authors). A final selection was conducted after critical appraisal of the quality of the studies. A consensus was reached at each step (Fig. 1) on the studies to be included.

2.2 Inclusion criteria

2.2.1 Study design

RCTs were included only (i) if they presented a low-risk of bias, (ii) if subjects with NP were randomly allocated to receive either MT or a comparator group receiving “no-treatment”, a placebo procedure, or another usual conservative therapy for NP, (iii) if the randomization methods were appropriate and clearly reported, and (iv) if a single (assessors blinded) or double-blind design (assessors and patients blinded) was used.

2.2.2 Patients

NP was differentiated on the basis of duration of the pain episode, with acute pain $<$ 6 weeks, subacute pain 6–12 weeks, and chronic pain $>$ 12 weeks. We also used a combination of duration, location, and signs/symptoms to determine the study population [80, 91].

Studies were included if the patients were male or female aged between 18 and 60 years suffering from acute-subacute (0–12 weeks) or chronic ( $>$ 12 weeks) NP. Acute and subacute categories were combined because of their similarities in contrast to chronic NP category, where psychosocial factors appear more important. No mixed populations of combined acute-subacute and chronic NP were allowed. NP was required to be localized to the posterior neck between the superior nuchal line and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra [75, 102]. NP is often associated with cervicogenic headache and/or tension type headache, or with peripheral neuropathic pain in the upper limbs; these clinical categories of patients were not included in the present SR.

With respect to severity, NP is also classified according to a 4-grade classification system of the Neck Pain Task Force [102], and for this SR, only RCTs with a population comprising NP grade I or II on this classification system were selected, i.e. no signs or symptoms of major structural pathology and no or minor (I) to major (II) interference with activities of daily life with the absence of neurological signs.

2.3 Interventions

As manual therapy (MT) interventions are broad by nature, we decided to use a clinical sub-classification system of MT in this SR with four major categories of MT techniques [91]. Moreover, this sub-classification was in accordance with a comprehensive evidence based search strategy and the MT treatment used and reported in the intervention group (IG) of included RCTs.

MT1 corresponds to spinal manipulation, where a HVLA thrust with “cavitation” is applied to the cervical spine (Cx) or thoracic spine (Tx) [103, 104, 105]. MT2 includes a range of mobilization techniques applied to the Cx or Tx which includes: low-velocity-mobilization such as physiological or accessory mobilization, articular muscle-energy-technique (MET, i.e. segmental analytic myotensive mobilization of Cx and Tx) and/or the soft-tissue techniques (STT) including “myofascial-release”, “trigger-points” “muscular-MET” (i.e. analytic myotensive techniques on specific muscles using “contract-relax” neurophysiological principles) of the neck region [82, 91, 103, 106]. MT3 comprises the combination of MT2 and MT1 [103, 105, 106]. MT4 corresponds to mobilization-with-movement (MWM) with cervical sustained-natural-apophyseal-glides (SNAGs) developed by Mulligan [107, 108].

Furthermore, as modern MT include hands off approach, sub-categorization of groups MT1-4 was based on the addition or not of exercise either specific (for example based on directional-preference, strengthening/ stabilization of specific deep-neck and scapular muscles, and motor control) or general (for example: range of motion exercises of the head and neck, sitting posture correction) or usual-medical-care (UMC; i.e. face to face interview, education, reassurance, medication, ergonomic and stay active advice) [91, 94, 104, 38, 39, 40, 41].

Table 1
Summary of articles for patients with acute-subacute neck pain

Authors sample size
NP status	Methodological quality of studies	Intervention $+$ Co intervention	Comparison group $+$ co intervention	Outcomes measures of interest	Clinical relevance status on timing outcomes: between groups $P$ value and effect sizes
Puentedura et al.
$n=$ 24
ANP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG: MT1 Cx $+$ exercise

5 sessions over 2 weeks	CG: MT1 Tx $+$ exercise
5 sessions over 2 weeks	Pain (NPRS)

Functional disabilities (NDI)
(FABQ)	Yes: From 1 week to 6 months ( $p<$ 0.005; SMD $=$ 2.2–2.7)
Yes: From 1 week to 6 months ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $>$ 1)
Yes: At 6 months ( $p=$ 0.04; SMD $=$ 1.1)
Gonzalez-Iglesias et al.
$n=$ 45
SNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG : MT1 Tx
once a week over 3 weeks $+$
Electro/thermal therapy 5 times over 3 weeks	CG: Electro/thermal therapy 5 times over 3 weeks	Pain (VAS)

Functional disabilities (NPQ)
(CROM)
-Flex

-Ext

-R Rot

-L Rot

-R Lat Flex

-L Lat Flex	Yes: From post treatment to 4 weeks ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $>$ 2)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 2.7–2.6)

Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 2.5–1.6)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 1.8–1.1)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 1.9–2.0)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 2.1–1.6)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 2.2–1.9)
Yes: At post treatment and 2 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 2.5–1.4)
Gonzalez-Iglesias et al.
$n=$ 45
SNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG : MT1 Tx
once a week over 3 weeks $+$
Electro/thermal therapy 6 times over 3 weeks	CG: Electro/thermal therapy 6 times over 3 weeks	Pain (NPRS)

Functional disabilities (NPQ)
(CROM)
-Flex

-Ext

-L Lat Flex

-R Lat Flex

-L Rot

-R Rot	Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 2.8)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 2.7)

Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 2.0)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.5)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.7)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.9)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.4)
Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.4)
Nagrale et al.
$n=$ 60
ASNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG: MT2 (myotensive technique $+$ trigger and tender points)
3 times/week over 4 weeks for all groups	CG: MT2 (myotensive technique)	Pain (VAS)

Functional disabilities (NDI)
(CROM) Lat flex	Yes: At 2 and 4 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 1.2–1.7)
Yes: At 2 and 4 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 0.8–0.9)
Yes: At 2 and 4 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 2.0–3.8)
Blikstad and Gemmell
$n=$ 45
ASNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG1: MT2 (Activator trigger point therapy)
IG2:MT2 (myofascial band therapy)
1 time for all groups	CG: Sham Ultrasound (SUS)	Pain (NPRS)
Functional disabilities (CROM)	No
No
Gemmell et al.
$n=$ 45
ASNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG1: MT2 (Ischaemic compression)
IG2:MT2 (Trigger point pressure release)
1 time for all groups	CG: Sham Ultrasound (SUS)	Pain (VAS)
Functional disabilities
(CROM)	No
No

Table 1, continued
Authors sample size
NP status	Methodological quality of studies	Intervention $+$ Co intervention	Comparison group $+$ co intervention	Outcomes measures of interest	Clinical relevance status on timing outcomes: between groups $P$ value and effect sizes
Bronfort et al. and Leininger et al.
$n=$ 272
ASNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG: MT3 Cx-Tx-STT

Number of sessions decided by therapist over 12 weeks	CG1: UMC
(anti-inflam, acetaminophen/ narcotic; Muscle relaxants)
CG2: Home Exercise $+$ advice
6 to 8 sessions per day	Pain (NPRS)

Functional disabilities (NDI)
Satisfaction with care (information, general care)
(CROM)
Quality of life (SF-36)	IG vs CG1: Yes: At 12 and 52 weeks ( $p<$ 0.005; SMD $=$ 0.6–0.5)
Yes: At 8 and 26 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $=$ 0.5–0.4)
Yes: At 12 and 52 weeks ( $p<$ 0.005; MD $=$ 11.6–16.4)
No
No

IG vs CG2: No difference on all outcome measures
Masaracchio et al.
$n=$ 64
ASNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG: MT3 (MT1 Tx $+$ MT2 Cx) $+$ Exercise
2 times/1 week for all groups	CG : MT2 Cx $+$ Exercises	Pain (NPRS)
Functional disabilities (NDI)	Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0,001; SMD $=$ 1.0) Yes: At 1 week ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 1.1)
Ganesh et al.
$n=$ 80
ASNP	Level B
7/11
No for patient and care provider blinded, ITT and dropouts ( $>$ 20%)	IG: MT2 Cx (PAIVMS) $+$ Exercise
5 times/week for 2 weeks and for all groups	CG1: MT4 Cx (SNAGs) $+$ Exercise
CG2: Exercise alone	Pain (VAS)
Disability (NDI)
(CROM)	No
No

ANP: acute neck pain/SNP: subacute neck pain/ASNP: acute-subacute neck pain/VAS: Visual Analogue Scale/NDI: Neck Disability Index/CROM: Active Cervical Range of Motion/PPT: Pressure Pain Threshold/US: ultrasound/NPRS: Numeric Pain Rating Scale/FABQ: Fear-Avoidance-Belief-Questionnaire/SF-36: Short-form-health-survey/NPQ: Northwick Pain Questionnaire/UMC: Usual Medical Care/Cx: cervical/Th: thoracic/MOB: Mobilization/SNAGs: Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides/HVLA: high velocity low amplitude thrust/IG: Intervention Group/CG: Control Group/IRT: Infrared Radiation Therapy/PAIVMS: Passive Accessory Intervertebral Movements/STT: Soft-Tissues-Techniques/SUS: Sham Ultrasound/Yes: significant difference with moderate to large clinical effect size/No: no significant difference with small clinical effect size on all timing outcome measures.

2.4 Control groups

The control groups received: “no treatment”, a placebo, or another usual conservative treatment for NP (e.g. UMC, exercise, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, or rehabilitation) [95, 101, 41].

2.5 Outcome measures of effectiveness

The outcome measures were classified according to the CCBRG recommendations: pain, function, overall-health and quality of life (Appendix 1). Timing of the follow-up measurements was defined as very-short-term (end of treatment/discharge to 1 month), short-term (1–3 months), intermediate-term (3 months–1 year), or long-term (1 year or more).

2.5.1 Quality assessment

Two independent reviewers (JB and AD) assessed risk of bias, methodological quality, data extraction and clinical relevance of each trial.

Quantitative and qualitative criteria were assessed by applying the CCBRG criteria [95, 101]. Quantitative risk of bias was assessed, using an 11-point check-list (see Appendix 1).

Table 2
Summary of articles for patients with chronic neck pain

Authors Sample size
NP status	Methodological quality of studies	Intervention $+$ Co intervention	Comparison group $+$ co intervention	Outcomes measures of interest	Clinical relevance status on timing outcomes: between groups $P$ value and effect sizes
Izquierdo-Pérez et al.
$n=$ 61
CNP	Level A
9/11
care provider not blind and dropouts ( $>$ 20%)	IG: MT1 Cx
4 sessions over 2 weeks	CG1: MT2 Cx (PAIVMS)
CG2: MT4 Cx (SNAGs)
4 sessions over 2 weeks	PAIN (VAS) Functional disabilities (NDI)
(CROM)
-Ext	NO
NO
: YES: immediately after treatment up to 3 months ( $p<$ 0.01; SMD $\geqslant$ 0.5)
Lopez et al.
$n=$ 48
CNP	Level A
9/11
Care provider not blind
Difference at baseline: CROM in Flexion/Extension	IG: MT1 Cx
1 single session	CG1: MT2 Cx (PAIVMS)
CG2: MT4 Cx (SNAGs)
1 session	PAIN

(VAS)
(PPT)
Functional disabilities (CROM)	IG and CG1 vs CG2: YES: immediately after treatment only for pain at rest ( $p=$ 0.04) with SMD $=$ 0.5–1.1)
NO
NO
NO
Saavedra-Hernandez et al.
$n=$ 80
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG: MT1 on Cx-Tx
(1 sessions: 2 Cx-thrusts)	CG: Kinesio Taping
(wearing during 1 week)	-Pain (NPRS)
-Functional disabilities (NDI)
(CROM)
-flex, ext, latflex
-Right rot

-Left rotation	NO
NO


NO
IG vs CG: YES: at 7 days ( $p<$ 0.01; SMD $=$ 0.6; MD $=$ 6.8)
IG vs CG: YES: at 7 days ( $p<$ 0.01; SMD $=$ 0.6; MD $=$ 7.0)
Martinez-Segura et al.
$n=$ 90
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider not blind	IG: MT1 on Cx (left) MT1 on Cx (right)	CG: MT1 on Tx	Pain (PPT) Functional disabilities (CROM)	NO
NO
Sherman et al.
$n=$ 64
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG : MT2 (STT)
10 times over 10 weeks	CG: no treatment:self-care-book	Pain (NPRS)
Functional disabilities (NDI) Overall improvement (SF-36)	YES: at 4 weeks, ( $p=$ 0,006; MD $=$ 1,6)
YES: at 4 weeks, ( $p=$ 0.047; MD $=$ 2.1)

NO
Schwerla et al.
$n=$ 41
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for care provider blinded and ITT	IG: MT3 Cx-Tx $+$ SUS
9 times every 12 to 20 days	CG: no- treatment: SUS 9 times every 4 to 10 days	Pain (NPRS)
-Average pain
-Actual pain
-Worst pain

Functional disabilities (NPQ)
Overall improvement (SF-36)	YES: At 1 week ( $p=$ 0.02; SMD $=$ 0.9; MD $=$ 1.7)
at 3 months ( $p=$ 0.009; MD $=$ 1.5)
at 3 months ( $p=$ 0.03; MD $=$ 1.6)
at 3 months ( $p=$ 0.05; MD $=$ 1.2)
YES: at 3 months ( $p=$ 0.01; MD $=$ 9)

YES: at the end of treatment ( $p=$ 0.02; MD $=$ 13.3)
Lau et al.
$n=$ 120
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG : MT1 Tx $+$ IRT and exercise
8 times (/weeks) for all groups $+$ home exercises	CG: IRT $+$ exercise	Pain (NPRS)


Functional disabilities (NPQ)
(CROM)
-Ext

-Flex

-L Lat Flex

-R Lat Flex

Overall improvement (SF-36)	YES: at post treatment, at 3 months, and at 6 months ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $>$ 0.6)
YES: at post treatment and at 3 months ( $p<$ 0.02 SMD $=$ 0.5), at 6 months, ( $p=$ 0.007, SMD $=$ 0.4)
YES: at 3 months ( $p=$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 0.8) at 6 months ( $p=$ 0.001, SMD $=$ 0.5; MD $=$ 3.8)
YES: at post treatment, at 3 months and at 6 months ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $>$ 0.5)
YES: at 3 months and at 6 months ( $p<$ 0.005; SMD $>$ 0.5)
YES: at 3 months and at 6 months ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $\geqslant$ 0.6)
YES: at post treatment, at 3 months and at 6 months ( $p\leqslant$ 0.002; SMD $>$ 0.60)

Table 2, continued
Authors Sample size
NP status	Methodological quality of studies	Intervention $+$ Co intervention	Comparison group $+$ co intervention	Outcomes measures of interest	Clinical relevance status on timing outcomes: between groups $P$ value and effect sizes
Kanlayanaphotporn et al.
$n=$ 60
CNP	Level A
10/11
No for care provider blinded	IG: MT2 on Cx symptomatic levels (PAIVMS)
1 time	CG: random MT2 Cx (PAIVMS) 1 time	Pain (VAS) Functional disabilities (CROM)	NO
NO
Aquino et al.
$n=$ 48
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider not blind	IG: MT2 Cx symptomatic levels (PAIVMS)
1 time	CG: random MT2 (PAIVMS), away from the concordant segment
1 time	Pain (NRS)	NO
Schomacher
$n=$ 126
CNP	Level A
10/11
No for care provider blinded	IG: MT2 Cx symptomatic levels (PAIVMS)
1 time	CG: MT2 Cx (PAIVMS), 3 levels away from the concordant segment 1 time	Pain (NRS)	NO
Bronfort et al.
$n=$ 191
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider blinded	IG1: MT3 on Cx-Tx (HVLA $+$ STT) $+$ exercise IG2: MT3 on CX-Tx (HVLA $+$ STT) alone (sham microcurrent)
20 times (1h) over 11 weeks & home exercises for all groups	CG: MedX (Exercise with specific devices sessions)	Pain (NRS) Functional disabilities (NDI)
(CROM)
-Flex/Ext


-Rot

-Lat Flex
Overall Improvement
(SF-36)	NO
NO


YES:
IG1 vs IG2: at 11 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; MD $=$ 6.7)
CG vs IG2: at 11 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; MD $=$ 5.2) YES: IG1 vs IG2: at 11 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; MD $=$ 6.7)
YES: IG1 vs IG2: at 11 weeks ( $p<$ 0.05; MD $=$ 5.6)
NO
Evans et al.
$n=$ 270
CNP	Level A
9/11
No for patient and care provider not blind	IG1: MT1 Cx-Tx $+$ Exercise IG2: High Exercise (High dose supervised strengthening exercise)	CG: HEA (Home Exercise and advice)	Pain (NPRS)



Disability (NDI)
Overall Improvement
(SF-36)	IG1 vs CG: YES at 12 weeks ( $p<$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 0.9; MD $=$ 1.4)
IG2 vs CG: YES at 12 weeks ( $p=$ 0.001, SMD $=$ 0.7; MD $=$ 1.2) IG1 vs CG:Yes at 12 weeks ( $p=$ 0.001; SMD $=$ 0.5; MD $=$ 4.3) : YES: at 12 weeks ( $p<$ 0.001; MD $=$ 1.3), at 52 weeks, $p=$ 0.001; MD $=$ 0.8)
IG2 vs CG: YES: at 12 weeks ( $p<$ 0.001; MD $=$ 1.1), at 52 weeks ( $p=$ 0.03, MD $=$ 0.5)
Akhter et al. $n=$ 62 CNP	Level B
7/11
No for allocation concealed, No for patient and care provider blinded, dropouts, ITT	IG: MT1 Cx $+$ exercise (6 sessions over 3 weeks for both groups)	CG: Supervised exercise alone	Pain (VAS) Functional disabilities (NDI)	NO
NO

CNP: chronic neck pain/VAS: Visual Analogue Scale/NDI: Neck Disability Index/CROM: Active Cervical Range Of Motion/PPT: Pressure Pain Threshold/US: ultrasound/NPRS: Numeric Pain Rating Scale/FABQ: Fear-Avoidance-Belief-Questionnaire/SF-36: Short-form-health-survey/NPQ: Northwick Pain Questionnaire/UMC: Usual Medical Care/Cx: cervical/Th: thoracic/MOB: Mobilisation/SNAGs: Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides/HVLA: high velocity low amplitude thrust/IG: Intervention Group/CG: Control Group/IRT: Infrared Radiation Therapy/PAIVMS: Passive Accessory Intervertebral Movements/STT: Soft-Tissues-Techniques/SUS: Sham Ultrasound/Yes: significant difference between groups with moderate to large clinical effect size/No: no significant difference between groups with small clinical effect size on all timing outcome measures.

Qualitative assessments were made on the basis of the following criteria: a well determined distinction and separation between combined acute-subacute and chronic NP categories at baseline, a detailed description of MT intervention and the possibility that reviewers would be able to classify the MT techniques according to MT1-MT4 classification system, and a single-blind or double-blind RCT design.

Included studies were required to be low-risk of bias. We considered as “high-quality” those RCTs with single-blind (assessors blinded) or double-blind (patients and assessors blinded) designs that met at least 9/11 of CCBRG criteria indicated by an ‘A’. “Moderate quality” RCT status was assigned to studies of single-blind design with a minimum score of 7/11 indicated by a ‘B’ (Tables 1 and 2) [75, 91]. To reduce the number of words and the number of studies included in this SR, only RCTs that present new findings or update/upgrade previous evidence from SRs with our methodology are fully described in the results section and Tables 1–3. However, all studies from our search strategy, as well as reason of exclusion are presented in the Appendix 2.

2.5.2 Strength of evidence and clinical relevance

Strength of evidence was determined by grouping similar “Patients Interventions Comparisons Outcomes Study Design” to provide an overall level of evidence (see Appendix 1 for the process of evidence) on the efficacy of the 4 categories of MT (MT1-MT4) combined or not with another intervention. Conclusions of evidence are summarized in Table 3.

The effect size was independently collected or calculated by two authors, and used to assess the clinical relevance of MT interventions in outcome measures. We reported the between groups means of difference (MD $=$ mean A $-$ mean B) or Cohen’s standardized means of difference (SMD $=$ mean A $-$ mean B/mean SD). In this SR, the clinical relevance was determined by two conditions and scored by “YES” in favour of the intervention group; if there were (i) significant differences between groups ( $p<$ 0.05) associated (ii) with between groups effect sizes equal or superior to the minimal clinically important difference for MD or moderate for SMD (from 0.4–0.8) to large SMD (from 0.8–1.2) and very large SMD ( $>$ 1.2) effects on specific outcome measures (Tables 1 and 2) [91, 95].

3. Results

Two reviewers performed the selection of articles (Fig. 1). A qualitative SR was undertaken on the 23 low-risk of bias RCTs, based on the qualitative and quantitative criteria described above; 21 studies were classified as level A and 2 as level B quality (Tables 1 and 2). Summary findings are shown in Table 3, which includes a presentation of the level of evidence drawn from the selected RCTs.

3.1 Effects of interventions on acute-subacute NP

3.1.1 MT1 to the cervical spine with exercise versus MT1 to the thoracic spine with exercise

Puentedura et al. [42] evaluated the efficacy of MT1 to the upper Cx in comparison to MT1 on the Tx. Both interventions were combined with the same exercise (ROM exercises of the head and shoulder, and upper limb exercise against moderate resistance elastic band’s). The numbers of treatment sessions were similar in both groups ( $n=$ 5). There were statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements for pain ( $p<$ 0.005 and SMD $>$ 2) and disability ( $p<$ 0.05; SMD $>$ 1) from 1 week to 6 months, and for quality of life at 6 months ( $p<$ 0.005 and SMD of 1.14) for patients who received MT1 to the Cx combined with exercise. However, in both groups (7% in the cervical group and 70% in the thoracic group) minor treatment side effects were reported such as increases in NP, headache and fatigue that resolved within 24 hours. The authors concluded that those patients might benefit more from MT1 to the Cx than Tx.

3.1.2 MT1 with electro/thermal-therapy versus electro/thermal-therapy alone

Gonzalez-Iglesias et al. [72, 43] investigated in two studies the efficacy of MT1 (localized to the upper Tx) combined with electro/thermal-therapy as compared to electro/thermal-therapy alone for acute-subacute NP patients. The number of sessions was equivalent in both groups and both studies covered 5–6 sessions over 3 weeks. There were statistically significant improvements for pain ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD $>$ 2), disability ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD $>$ 2.6) and cervical range-of-motion (CROM). The authors concluded that the combined intervention provided clinically greater improvement on all outcome measures.

3.1.3 Comparison of two MT2 interventions

Nagrale et al. [86] evaluated comprehensive MT2 (STT) that combined muscular-MET, trigger (ischemic compression) and tender-points (strain-counterstrain) techniques on the trapezius in comparison to simple MT2 (STT) that included only the muscular-MET on the trapezius for acute-subacute NP patients. At 2 and 4 weeks follow-up, the results showed significant improvements in both groups on pain reduction, function and side-bending. However, there was a significant clinically relevant difference between groups with large effect sizes for pain and function (SMD for CROM lateral flexion $>$ 2, for VAS $>$ 1.1, and for NDI $>$ 0.8) at follow-up (2–4 weeks) in favour of the comprehensive MT2 intervention.

3.1.4 MT2 versus sham-Ultrasound (SUS)

Blikstad and Gemmell [44] and Gemmell et al. [45] compared the effect of MT2 (STT) consisting of trigger point techniques to the trapezius muscle (ischemic compression and trigger point release) to SUS for acute-subacute NP. The results demonstrate that MT2 had an immediate effect on pain compared to SUS. However, in both studies, no statistically significant differences were apparent for any outcome measures between the groups.

3.1.5 MT3 versus usual-medical-care and home exercise

Bronfort et al. [46] studied the efficacy of MT3 (on hypomobile Cx and Tx segments and on STT) as compared to UMC (private consultation and education combined with medication (AINS, narcotic drugs and/or muscle relaxants, and advice to stay active) and to home exercise (2 $\times$ 1 hours of education for flexibility and strengthening exercise of the head and shoulder) for acute-subacute NP. Short and long-terms analyses showed improvement for pain at 12 weeks and 52 weeks ( $p<$ 0.005 and SMD $>$ 0.5) in favour of the MT3 as compared to UMC, but not for MT3 over home exercise or home exercise over UMC. No serious adverse events were reported in the study. However, 40% in the MT3 group and 46% in the home exercise group reported musculoskeletal pain, and 60% in the UMC group reported gastrointestinal symptoms and drowsiness. The authors concluded that MT3 and home exercise interventions led to similar short- and long-term outcomes, but participants who received UMC seemed to fare worse, with a consistently higher use of pain medication during the study period. Leininger et al. [97] in a secondary analysis of this study explored the relationship between satisfaction with care (information and general care, on 0–100 scale) using a multidimensional instrument [47], neck pain (VAS), and global satisfaction with care (scale). Differences in satisfaction with specific aspects of care were analyzed using a linear mixed model at 12 and 52 weeks. Individuals with acute/subacute NP were more satisfied with specific aspects of care received during spinal MT3 or home exercise interventions compared to UMC.

3.1.6 MT3 with exercise versus MT2 with exercise

Masaracchio et al. [48] compared the effect of MT3 during two sessions (2 $\times$ HVLA targeted to T1–T3 and to T4–T7 combined with MT2 on the Cx in a supine position with accessory mobilization over the spinous processes from C2–C7) and home exercise (active Cx rotation ROM exercise), to MT2 (the same as above) and home exercise for acute-subacute NP patients. The results demonstrated significant differences in terms of pain ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD of 0.96) and disability ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD of 1.11) at one week in favour of the MT3 with exercise group. The authors concluded that the combination intervention led to better clinical short-term improvement in all outcome measures.

3.1.7 MT2 with exercise and MT4 with exercise versus exercise alone

Ganesh et al. [96] studied the effect of MT2 (accessory mobilization on the Cx for 10 sessions over 2 weeks) with exercise (flexibility and strengthening of cervical and scapular muscles, and cervical ROM exercises) in comparison to MT4 (SNAGs applied to the Cx in a sitting position) with exercise and exercise alone for patients with acute-subacute NP. All groups were instructed to continue the exercise at home for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that all the groups improved overtime compared to baseline ( $p<$ 0.05). However no significant differences between groups ( $p>$ 0.05) were determined for all outcome measures (pain, disability, CROM) with very small effect size between groups (SMD $=$ 0.2) after intervention and at follow-up. Any adverse events were reported in the study. The authors concluded that supervised exercises are as effective as both combined mobilizations and exercises on all outcome measures. However as 30–70% of acute NP patients improve spontaneously overtime; future studies should include a UMC group to analyse change with respect to the natural resolution of NP over time.

3.2 Effects of interventions on chronic NP

3.2.1 MT1 in comparison to MT2 and MT4

Izquierdo-Pérez et al. [49] compared three different treatments applied to the Cx. These were HVLA (MT1), accessory mobilization (MT2) and SNAGs (MT4). Each patient received 4 sessions within 2 weeks. All three groups showed similar improvements in pain, disability and ROM but there was no difference between interventions in any outcome measure apart from CROM in extension ( $p<$ 0.01 and MD $>$ 8.3) in favor of MT1 in comparison to MT4. No adverse events were reported for any intervention.

Lopez et al. [50] also studied the effect of the same three interventions applied to the Cx, i.e. HVLA (MT1), accessory mobilization (MT2) and SNAGs (MT4) and CROM. In comparison to Perez’ investigation [49], each patient received only one single therapy session. All of the treatments groups demonstrated similar efficacy for the management of pain (at rest, flexion/extension, rotation, side bending, pressure pain thresholds on C2), and CROM (multidirectional). However, only one significant difference (two way; treatment x time interaction, $p=$ 0.04) between groups on all outcome measures was demonstrated with respect only for pain at rest in favor of MT1 and MT2 groups over the MT4 group with moderate to large effects size. There was also an interaction found between trait anxiety (all participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; an introspective psychological self-report measure of anxiety affect), improvement in pain and technique applied, i.e. high anxiety levels expected better prognosis (prospect of recovery) outcome after MT2 application and low anxiety levels expected better prognosis after MT1 and MT4 application. Authors did not report adverse events.

Authors of both studies [49, 50] concluded by saying that all 3 techniques applied to the Cx were effective in the management of chronic NP with no differences between them. However, MT1 appears marginally better than other forms of MT based on improved CROM in extension only and pain at rest [49, 50].

3.2.2 MT1 to the cervical spine versus kinesio-Tape

Saavedra-Hernandez et al. [51] compared one group receiving MT1 (HVLA thrust to the mid-Cx and upper-Tx), to another group receiving only Kinesio-Tape applied to the neck for one week in patients with chronic NP. Both interventions demonstrated similar decreases in pain, disability and increases in CROM over the 1-week study period but the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between both groups in all outcome measures except for the CROM in rotation at 7 days. Five patients reported minor adverse events with 3 (7.5%) in the manipulation group (minor increase in NP or fatigue) and two (5%) in the Kinesio-Tape group (cutaneous irritation related to the tape application). These minor post-treatment symptoms resolved within 24 hours. The authors concluded that the application of MT1 or Kinesio-Tape leads to similar reduction in pain and disability and increases in CROM, and that concerning CROM and disability, the changes were not clinically meaningful.

3.2.3 MT1 to the cervical spine versus MT1 to the thoracic spine

Martinez-Segura et al. [52] studied the relative efficacy of a single session of MT1 to the mid-Cx or to the upper-Tx for patients with chronic NP. All groups showed similar changes ( $p<$ 0.001), but there were no significant differences between the 3 groups on all outcome measures (neck pain intensity with NPRS, CROM, pressure pain threshold with algometry). Two patients reported some minor side effects. The authors concluded that Cx and Tx spine MT1 induced similar changes in outcome measures.

3.2.4 MT versus <<no-treatment>>

Sherman et al. [76] investigated the effectiveness of MT2 (STT to the Cx and Tx region, i.e. connective tissue massage, ischemic compression, myofascial release) in comparison to “no treatment” with a self-care booklet for patients with chronic NP. Differences between both groups were statistically significant for pain ( $p<$ 0.005) and disability ( $p<$ 0.05) at 4-weeks of treatment. The authors concluded that MT2 is safe (i.e. no serious adverse effects were reported) and may have clinical benefits for treating chronic NP at least at short-term.

Schwerla et al. [82] compared MT3 to Cx and Tx combined with SUS to “no treatment” with SUS alone for chronic NP patients. The results showed clinical relevant differences in favour of the intervention group on pain reduction ( $p<$ 0.009 and MD of 1.8), overall health-improvements ( $p<$ 0.019 and MD of 14.6) and functional-status ( $p<$ 0.05 and MD of 9) during the course and completion of treatment.

3.2.5 MT1 with infrared radiation therapy (IRT) and exercise versus IRT and exercise alone

Lau et al. [79] assessed the effectiveness of MT1 to the Tx combined with IRT (15 minutes over the painful site) and exercise (active neck mobilization, isometric neck muscle contraction for stabilization, and stretching of trapezius and scalene muscles) in comparison to a control group (IRT and exercise only) for chronic NP patients. This study showed that patients in the experimental group had clinically relevant improvements in NP ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD of 0.65) at 6 months and for function ( $p<$ 0.004 and SMD of 0.5), overall health ( $p<$ 0.001 and SMD of 0.83) and neck mobility ( $p<$ 0.05) at 3 months when compared to the control group from the completion of treatment up to a 3 to 6 months follow-up.

3.2.6 MT2 on symptomatic spinal level(s) versus “sham” MT2 (random location)

Kanlayanaphotporn et al. [53] studied the immediate effects of MT2 (Cx accessory mobilization) on pain and active CROM. In the experimental group, the treatment details including the spinal level(s) to be treated, the grade of movement to be applied, and the most appropriate technique of mobilization were noted. In the control group, the patients received one of the following mobilization techniques that could be considered as a placebo procedure: a central PA, ipsilateral unilateral PA, or contralateral unilateral PA pressure. In both groups the MT2 intervention was applied for 1 minute repeated twice. Both group showed significant decrease in neck pain at rest and in pain at most painful movement. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups on pain and active CROM.

Aquino et al. [90] and Schomacher et al. [54] evaluated whether MT2, using the same techniques as described above for Aquino et al., and intermittent translatory traction in supine (accessory mobilization) between C2 and C7 for Schomacher et al., applied both to the symptomatic Cx level, was able to reduce pain compared to the same MT2 interventions but at an asymptomatic Cx level(s). Although all groups in both studies showed significant immediate pain relief, there was no significant difference between the groups.

These studies [90, 53, 54] demonstrate that identification of the symptomatic Cx segment is not important for the immediate effects of MT2 (accessory mobilization) on pain for chronic NP.

3.2.7 MT versus active rehabilitation

Bronfort et al. [78] compared MT3 alone (HVLA thrusts with STT) to the Cx and Tx for 20 sessions of 15–20 minutes), to MT3 with exercise (neck and upper body strengthening for 20 sessions of 1 hour), to MedX Exercise (high technology devices for strengthening of the neck and upper-body during 20 sessions of 1 hour). Although there was a tendency for greater improvement for the two exercise groups (MT3 with exercise and MedX exercise), the efficacy of these 3 interventions was not statistically different for pain, function and overall improvement during treatment. However, at 1-year follow-up, there were significant differences in favour of MT3 combined with exercise and MedX exercises groups as compared to MT3 alone on pain reduction ( $p<$ 0.05 and SMD $>$ 0.4). The MT3 with exercise, however, showed greater gains in all measures of performance (strength, endurance, and CROM) than MT3 alone ( $p<$ 0.05), as well as a greater satisfaction with care ( $p<$ 0.01). After a 1-year follow-up, the authors concluded that MT3 with exercises and MedX exercise appeared to be more efficient than MT3 alone for chronic NP.

Evans et al. [55] investigated the efficacy of MT1 (to the Cx and Tx for 20 sessions of 15–20 minutes) combined with high dose (20 sessions of 1-hour) supervised strengthening exercise (neck and upper body strengthening), to high dose supervised strengthening exercise alone, and low dose home exercise and advice for chronic NP patients. There were clinically relevant improvements at 12 weeks for both high dose exercise groups for pain and overall health improvement ( $p<$ 0.001) in comparison to home exercise and a trend for disability for MT1 combined with exercise against home exercise. The authors concluded that high dose exercise combined or not with MT1 gained better outcomes than home exercise particularly in the medium-term (3 months).

Akhter et al. [98] investigated the role of MT1 (HVLA on the stiff Cx segments for around 6 sessions over 3 weeks) combined with supervised exercise (flexibility, strengthening of the cervical and scapular muscles and CROM exercise) in comparison to supervised exercise regime alone for chronic NP patients. At the end of 3 weeks interventions both groups were instructed to do the same exercise for a period of 3 months on a daily basis. Both groups made significant improvement in pain and functional outcome measures ( $p<$ 0.001) over 3 and 12 weeks’ time period in relation to baseline. However, between groups analysis showed no significant differences at all time points for both outcome measures ( $p>$ 0.05). Adverse events were reported for one subject with episode of dizziness, he was excluded from the study. Authors concluded that both groups made significant improvements and that on closer inspection MT1 with exercise appeared as a favourable treatment preference (a better trend of improvements) compared to exercise alone.

The general trend of these three studies [78, 98, 55] was that combined MT1 and MT3 on the Cx and Tx with exercise demonstrated better results for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general health in comparison to exercise or MT alone for patients with chronic NP.

4. Discussion

The goal of this SR was to assess and update the best evidence by including only low-risk of bias RCTs reporting on the effectiveness of different MT approaches, classified into 4 categories (MT1-MT4), in the management of NP without associated disorders such as cervicogenic headache or radiculopathy. Efficacy for MT1-4 interventions was assessed in isolation or when combined with exercise or UMC.

Table 3
Summary findings for MT1-4 combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for neck pain. Strength of new evidence is shown in italic text. Upgrade of previous evidence is shown in classical text [75, 94, 56]

For acute/subacute neck pain
Categories of MT interventions vs comparison group	Quality of evidence (A high; B moderate)	Strength of evidence for interventions
MT1-upper Cx with Exercise vs MT1-Tx with Exercise	1 RCT, Level A, $n=$ 24
Puentedura et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1-Cx with Exercise in comparison to MT1-Tx with Exercise for pain and function at very short, short term and intermediate-term (6 months)
MT1-Tx with Electro/thermal therapy vs electro thermal therapy alone	2 RCT, Level A, $n=$ 90
Gonzalez-Iglesias et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 combined with electro/thermal therapy in comparison to electro/thermal therapy alone for pain and function at very short- and short term
MT2 (STT: MET $+$ trigger and tender points on trapezius) vs MT2 (only MET on trapezius)	1 RCT, Level A, $n=$ 60
Nagrale et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT2 using MET combined with trigger and tender points in comparaison to MET alone for pain and function at short term
MT2 (trigger points therapy) vs SUS	2 RCT, Level A, $n=$ 90
Blikstad and Gemmell
Gemmell et al.	MODERATE evidence of no difference between MT2 using trigger points and SUS for pain and function at very short term
MT3 (MT1-Tx and MT2-Cx) with Exercise vs MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) with Exercise	1 RCT, level A, $n=$ 64
Masaracchio et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT3 with Exercise in comparison of MT2 (accessory mobilization) with Exercises alone for pain and function at short term
MT3 on Cx-Tx and home Exercise vs UMC	2 RCT, level A, $n=$ 272
Bronfort et al.
Leininger et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT3 and home Exercise groups in comparison of UMC for pain and satisfaction with care at post treatment, short and intermediate term
MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) with Exercise vs MT4-Cx (SNAGs) with Exercise vs Exercise alone	1 RCT, level B, $n=$ 80
Ganesh et al.	LIMITED evidence of no difference of efficacy between groups on pain and function
For chronic neck pain
Categories of MT interventions vs. comparison group	Quality of evidence (A high; B moderate)	Strength of evidence for interventions
MT1-Cx vs MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) vs MT4-Cx (SNAGs)	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 61
Izquierdo-Pérez et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 in comparison to MT4for active CROM in extension, immediately after treatment and during the 3 months follow-up MODERATE evidence of no difference of efficacy for all other outcome measures (pain, function) between groups
MT1-Cx vs MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) vs MT4-Cx	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 48
Lopez et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 and MT2 in comparison to MT4 only for pain at rest just after interventions
MODERATE evidence of no difference between groups on all other outcome measures (pain and function)
MT1-Cx vs MT1-Tx	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 90
Martinez-Segura et al.	MODERATE evidence of no difference between groups for pain, CROM and PPT
MT1 on Cx-Tx vs Kinésiotape	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 80
Saavedra-Hernandez et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 only for CROM rotations
MODERATE evidence of no difference between groups on pain and function
MT3 on Cx-Tx with Sham electrotherapy vs MT3 with Exercise vs MedX (high dose of exercise with specific devices)	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 191
Bronfort et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT3 with Exercise and MedX groups in comparison to MT3 alone for pain and function at long term.
MT1-Tx with IRR and home Exercise vs IRR and home Exercise	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 120
Lau et al.
	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 with IRR and home Exercise for pain, disability, overall improvement and function for immediately post treatment which remained up to 6-months
MT1 on Cx-Tx with Exercise vs high dose of Exercise vs. HEA	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 270
Evans et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT1 with Exercise and high dose of Exercise groups in comparison to HEA group for pain, satisfaction and global perceived effect at 12 weeks
MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) on symptomatic level(s) vs MT2-Cx (accessory mobilization) on random and/or asymptomatic level(s)	3 RCT level A, $n=$ 234
Kanlayanaphotporn et al. ; Aquino et al. and Schomacher et al.	STRONG evidence of no difference between groups for pain and function

Table 3, continued
Categories of MT interventions vs comparison group	Quality of evidence (A high; B moderate)	Strength of evidence for interventions
MT3 with SUS vs “no treatment” (SUS only)	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 41
Schwerla et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT3 in comparison to “no treatment” for pain, overall improvement at the end of treatment and function at 3 months
MT2 with STT on the C-Tx vs “no treatment” (only self-care booklet)	1 RCT Level A, $n=$ 64
Sherman et al.	MODERATE evidence in favor of MT2 in comparison to “no treatment” for pain and function at 4 weeks of treatment
MT1-cx with Exercise vs. Exercise alone	1 RCT level B, $n=$ 62
Akhter et al.	LIMITED evidence of no difference between groups on all outcome measures (pain and function).

MT: manual therapy; MT1: HVLA thrust; MT2: accessory an physiological mobilization and/or soft-tissue-techniques (STT) and/or muscle energy technique (MET); MT3: MT1 $+$ MT2; MT4: Mulligan’sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) to Cx. UMC: usual medical care; Cx: cervical spine; Tx: thoracic spine; SUS: sham ultrasound; IRR: infrared radiation; HEA: home exercise and advise; Exercise: specific and/or general exercise; PPT: pressure pain threshold.

With respect to acute/sub-acute NP this review found moderate evidence in favour of (i) MT1 at the involved Cx level combined with exercise when compared to MT1 to the Tx combined with exercise [42]; (ii) MT3 (Tx HVLA $+$ Cx accessory mobilization) combined with exercise compared to MT2 (Cx accessory mobilization) with exercise [49]; (iii) MT1 to the upper Tx combined with electro/thermal-therapy in comparison to electro/thermal-therapy alone, for pain relief and functional improvement in the very short to short-term; (iv) MT3 to the Cx and Tx or home exercise in comparison to UMC for pain and satisfaction with care from short to long-term [97, 46]; (v) MT2 (STT) comprising muscular-MET, trigger-points (ischemic compression), and positional-release (tender-points) techniques to the trapezius compared to MT2 (STT) using only muscular-MET to the trapezius for pain, function and CROM in the very short-term [86].

This review found moderate evidence of no difference in efficacy between MT2, comparing trigger point therapy to SUS [44, 45]. In addition there was limited evidence of no difference in efficacy between MT2 (Cx accessory mobilization) with exercise in comparison to MT4 (Cx SNAGs) combined with exercise in comparison to exercise alone on pain, disability and CROM [50].

With respect to chronic NP this review found strong evidence of no difference in efficacy for MT2 when comparing Cx accessory mobilization at the symptomatic level to the asymptomatic level for pain and function [90, 53, 54]. Moderate to strong evidence was found in favour of MT1 and MT3 at the Cx and Tx combined with exercise in comparison to exercise or MT alone for pain, function, satisfaction with care and general health at least in the short- to moderate-terms [78, 98, 55]. Moderate evidence was found in favour (i) of MT1 compared to MT2 (Cx accessory mobilization) and MT4 (Cx SNAGs), for CROM [49] and pain [50] in the very short-term; (ii) of MT2 (STT to the Cx and Tx) [76] and MT3 to the Cx and Tx [82] in comparison to no-treatment (self-care booklet or SUS), in the short-term for pain and disability [76]; (iii) of MT1 to the Tx with IRT and exercise as compared to IRT and exercises alone for pain, function, overall-health and CROM in the short to moderate-term [79]. Moderate evidence was found of no difference (i) between MT1 to the Cx and Cx-Tx in comparison to Kinésio-Tape applied to the neck region for pain, disability and CROM in the very short-term [51]; (ii) between MT1 to the Cx in comparison to MT1 to the Tx for pain, CROM and pressure pain threshold at the very short-term [52].

The evidence from this current SR is consistent with evidence provided from previous systematic reviews [75, 94, 56] reporting on the efficacy of MT for NP. However, the current review provides new evidence in this regard, as well as improves understanding of the levels of evidence for manual therapists. Due to the very large body of evidence regarding MT for NP, and the inability to present all this information in a single paper, we focused on RCT’s with low-risk of bias that would update and improve on previous reviews. This new evidence and confirmation of previous reviews can be seen in summary in Table 3.

This review provides manual therapists with information about treatment efficacy covering a wide range of commonly used MT in everyday clinical practice. Rather than combining all MT into a single comparison group we sub-categorized MT into 4 distinct groups combined or not with exercise. This enables the reader to better understand the evidence for different forms of MT and whether the addition of exercise improves treatment efficacy.

4.1 Adverse events

In addition to understanding the evidence for the efficacy of MT it is important to recognize any potential risks associated with MT intervention. This is particularly true for the cervical spine, which has a special vulnerability due to its unique anatomy and proximity to the brain. In the literature, MT to the cervical spine is often associated with adverse events particularly with regard to HVLA thrust techniques. Adverse events are important, not only from a morbidity/injury perspective, but also in terms of patient satisfaction and perception of improvement following treatment, which might be decreased in patients who experience adverse events [57]. In general however, there is a lack of consensus in reports of RCT’s regarding the classification and definition of adverse events following interventions. When adverse events have been reported we have described these adverse events for each included study in the result section. Future studies should follow more rigorous and standardized methods to allow more effective comparisons [58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65].

Clearly, a way to prevent adverse events is not to perform cervical manipulation, and perhaps manipulate the thoracic spine instead. It is suggested that thoracic manipulation may have some efficacy in the treatment of neck pain [75]. However, there is moderate evidence favouring cervical over thoracic manipulation for acute NP [42]. Combining cervical mobilization with thoracic manipulation may be one way to bypass the risks involved with certain cervical techniques and also improve treatment efficacy [48]. In chronic NP, although moderate evidence was found in favour of cervical manipulation when compared to accessory mobilization or SNAGs to the cervical spine [49, 50], reported differences were marginal for Cx extension ROM only as well as pain at rest. Furthermore, there is moderate evidence of no difference between cervical and thoracic spinal manipulation at least in terms of immediate effects [52]. Hence, it is important to assess whether such small marginal improvements in outcome favouring Cx manipulation can be justified against the risks involved. Due to the rarity of serious adverse events following cervical MT techniques [66], it is virtually impossible to clearly identify the risk benefit analysis of Cx manipulation. Further investigation is required to compare a cervical and thoracic spine treatment approach against cervical manipulation alone, as well as the long-term effects. Meanwhile, we recommend the guidelines from a consensus of experts (http://www.ifompt.org) for cervical spine screening along with the evidence from this SR before applying HVLA thrust techniques to the Cx for patients with NP.

4.2 NP classification

To our knowledge, and in contrast to LBP, there are no recommended or validated classification systems to stratify NP and to target specific subgroups with OMT treatment formulated for each subgroup. Classification of patients with LBP into sub-groups and the application of specific OMT interventions for each matched sub-group has proved to be more effective than generic forms of treatment [67, 68, 69, 70, 71]. Consequently, stratified care for LBP is becoming a dominant topic in research and clinical practice [91, 68, 71].

Due to the lack of classification systems for NP, the treatment decision to apply a specific form of MT (MT1-4) and/or exercise is mainly based on clinical reasoning, which must include the subjective and physical examination. Firstly, the subjective examination should help to identify and exclude people with psychosocial issues (yellow flags) and serious spinal pathologies (red flags) [69]. Secondly, the dominant pain mechanism should be identified, and can be broadly divided into three categories. These categories are the “input mechanisms” corresponding to nociceptive pain and peripheral neuropathic pain; the “processing mechanism” defined as centrally maintained pain associated with central sensitization, and the cognitive-affective mechanisms of pain; the “output mechanisms” include the autonomic, motor, neuroendocrine and immune systems [69, 70, 71]. Thirdly, therapeutic goals and OMT treatment options can be determined from the integration of the subjective and physical examination [69, 70, 71].

5. Limitations

The results of our qualitative SR should be interpreted in the light of some limitations. First, although only low-risk of bias RCTs were include, there was much heterogeneity among trials; including the way the trial data was presented, the patients, comparison (control) groups (and co-interventions), outcomes measures, and studies’ design, as well as the report of adverse events. Secondly to identify which MT intervention should be evaluated, we used an original and comprehensive classification system in accordance with a comprehensive analysis of the literature as well as with clinical practice of MT. This classification system was used in a previous SR of MT for low back pain [91]. However, there is currently no ideal classification of MT techniques as MT is broad by nature. The MT2 category may be seen as the weakest category in this classification system, as it comprises a very wide range of mobilization techniques as well as articular MET and/or STT. For this reason we described throughout the text and tables the specific interventions used in RCT’s investigating MT2; attempting to improve understand of the efficacy of this MT approach for NP. Due to the heterogeneity among trials, a meta-analysis enabling pooled statistics of effect was not possible. Thirdly, some studies used adjuvant therapy in both intervention and comparison groups which create difficulties to evaluate objectively the intrinsic efficacy of MT. Finally, only studies published in English from 1 ${}^{\rm st}$ January 2000 to 31th December 2015 were reviewed, leading to the possibility of relevant articles existing in other languages or before 2000.

6. Conclusion

This SR has confirmed previous evidence and increased levels of confidence regarding efficacy of MT for NP. The clinical implications of this evidence can be broadly summarized to a number of points. Firstly, in general it can be seen that combining different forms of MT with exercise is better than MT or exercise alone. Secondly, there is moderate to strong evidence in favor of MT1 or MT3 combined with exercise for improvement in pain, function, and satisfaction with care for patients with NP when compared to UMC, exercise alone, MT alone or to no treatment. Thirdly, there is strong evidence that for chronic NP mobilization need not be applied at the symptomatic level for improvement in pain and function. This may have implications for reducing the risk involved with some MT techniques applied to the Cx as well as to choose the level(s) of Cx treatment in function of the irritability state of the patient. Fourthly, there is moderate evidence that in general MT1, MT2 and MT4 have similar effects on NP. Since intuitively Cx manipulation carries greater risk than mobilization or MWM these interventions could be seen as a viable option to manage NP together with exercise and in combination with Tx MT1. Future RCTs should be more rigorous in their investigation by not mixing categories of patients as well as intervention types.

Footnotes

Conflict of interest

None to report.

Appendix 1

Classification of outcome measures and Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group (CCBRG) Levels of evidence for evaluating interventions [95, 101]
Outcome measures	Validated assessment tools
Pain	Visual analogue scale (VAS) and numerical-pain-rating-scale (NPRS) pressure pain thresholds (PPT)
Functional disabilities	Neck-Disability-Index (NDI), Fear-Avoidance-Belief-Questionnaire (FABQ), the Northwick-Neck-Pain-Questionnaire (NPQ), the cervical-Range-Of-Motion (CROM)
Overall-health improvement	Short-form-health-survey (SF-36)
Quality of life	Adverse events
Overall level of evidence	Conditions description
Strong	Consistent findings from multiple high quality trials (level A) ( $n\geqslant$ 3)
Moderate	Consistent findings among multiple moderate quality (level B) and/or one level A
Limited	One level B
Conflicting	Inconsistent findings among multiple trials
No evidence	No trials
Search strategy in MEDLINE	“Manual-Therapy” was used as a free-term in MeSH (MEDLINE). “Musculoskeletal-Manipulations” was the result of the MeSH heading terms, we added “Neck-Pain” to the MEDLINE search box as follows: “Musculoskeletal-Manipulation” [Mesh] and “Neck-Pain” [Mesh] and (“human” [MeSH-Terms] and (“male” [MeSH-Terms] or “female” [MeSH-Terms]) and Randomized-Controlled-Trial [ptyp] and English [lang] and “adult” [MeSH-Terms] and “2000/01/01” [PDat]: “2015/12/31”[PDat])

Risk of bias assessment

Appendix 2

Studies that only confirmed previous evidence (not included in Table 3) (1) and studies that have been excluded from the SR (2)
(1) Authors, journals and quality score of included studies that confirmed previous evidences
Llamas-Ramos et al. 2014	Level B (7/11 cochrane-list)	Madson et al. 2012	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)
Salom-Moreno et al. 2014	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)	Leaver et al. 2010	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)
Saavedra-Hernandez et al. 2013	Level A (9/11 cochrane-list)	Cleland et al. 2007	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)
Suvarnnato et al. 2013	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)	Dziedzic et al. 2005	Level A (9/11 cochrane-list)
Saayman et al. 2011	Level B (8/11 cochrane-list)
(2) Authors, journals and quantitative and/or qualitative criteria for reason of exclusion
Beltran-Alacreu et al. 2015	6/11 cochrane-list	Zaproudina et al. 2007	5/11 cochrane-list
Snodgrass et al. 2014	Mixed population	Ylinen et al. 2007	6/11 cochrane-list
Lluch et al. 2014	Mixed population	Martinez-Segura 2006	Mixed population
Vernon et al. 2013	Mixed population	Hoving et al. 2006	Mixed population
Dunning et al. 2012	Mixed population $+$ mixed states	Palmgren et al. 2006	5/11 cochrane-list
Martel et al. 2011	Mixed states	Cleland et al. 2005	Mixed population
Escortell-Mayor et al. 2011	Mixed population	McReynolds et al. 2005	6/11 cochrane-list
Boyles et al. 2010	Mixed population	Evans et al. 2003	Mixed states
Groeneweg et al. 2010	Mixed population	Hurwitz et al. 2002	Mixed population
Kanlayana- photporn et al. 2010	Mixed population	Hoving et al. 2002	Mixed population
Mansilla-Ferragut et al. 2009	5/11 cochrane-list	Wood et al. 2001	Mixed population
Strunk et al. 2009	Mixed population	Van Schalkwyk et al. 2000	Mixed population
Walker et al. 2008	Mixed population $+$ mixed states	Hanten et al. 2000	Mixed population
Häkkinen et al. 2007	Mixed population	Ali A et al. 2014	6/11 cochrane-list and mixed population

References

Gonzalez-Iglesias

Fernandez-de-las-Penas

Cleland

Alburquerque-Sendin

Palomeque-del-Cerro

Mendez-Sanchez

. Inclusion of thoracic spine thrust manipulation into an electro-therapy/thermal program for the management of patients with acute mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. Man Ther 2009; 14: 306-13.

Cleland

Glynn

Whitman

Eberhart

MacDonald

Childs

. Short-term effects of thrust versus nonthrust mobilization/manipulation directed at the thoracic spine in patients with neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther 2007; 87: 431-40.

Jette

Smith

Haley

Davis

. Physical therapy episodes of care for patients with low back pain. Phys Ther 1994; 74: 101-10.

Vincent

Maigne

Fischhoff

Lanlo

Dagenais

. Systematic review of manual therapies for nonspecific neck pain. Joint Bone Spine 2013; 80: 508-15.

Sherman

Cherkin

Hawkes

Miglioretti

Deyo

. Randomized trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain. Clin J Pain 2009; 25: 233-8.

Evans

Bronfort

Nelson

Goldsmith

. Two-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial of spinal manipulation and two types of exercise for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine 2002; 27: 2383-89.

Bronfort

Evans

Nelson

Aker

Goldsmith

Vernon

. A randomized clinical trial of exercise and spinal manipulation for patients with chronic neck pain. Spine 2001; 26: 788-97.

Lau

HMC

Wing

Lam

. The effectiveness of thoracic manipulation on patients with chronic mechanical neck pain – A randomized controlled trial. Man Ther 2011; 16: 141-7.

Haldeman

Carroll

Cassidy

Schubert

Nygren

, et al. The bone and joint decade 2000-2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders: Executive summary. Spine 2008; 33: 5-7.

10.

Madson

Cieslak

Gay

. Joint mobilization vs massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A pilot study to assess recruitment strategies and estimate outcome measure variability. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2010; 33: 644-51.

11.

Schwerla

Bischoff

Nurnberger

Genter

Guillaume

Resch

. Osteopathic treatment of patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: A randomised controlled trial of efficacy. Forsch Komplementmed 2008; 15: 138-45.

12.

Hemmila

. Bone setting for prolonged neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005; 28: 508-15.

13.

Palmgren

Sandstrom

Lundqvist

Heikkila

. Improvement after chiropractic care in cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and subjective pain intensity in patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29: 100-6.

14.

Dziedzic

Hill

Lewis

Sim

Daniels

Hay

. Effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to advice and exercise for neck disorders: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial in physical therapy clinics. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 53: 214-22.

15.

Nagrale

Glynn

Joshi

Ramteke

. The efficacy of an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on upper trapezius trigger points in subjects with non-specific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Man Manip Ther 2010; 18: 37-43.

16.

Pool

Ostelo

Knol

Vlaeyen

Bouter

de Vet

. Is a behavioral graded activity program more effective than manual therapy in patients with subacute neck pain? Results of a randomized clinical trial. Spine 2010; 35: 1017-24.

17.

Martel

Dugas

Dubois

Descarreaux

. A randomised controlled trial of preventive spinal manipulation with and without a home exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12: 41-49.

18.

Cleland

Childs

McRae

Palmer

Stowell

. Immediate effects of thoracic manipulation in patients with neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. Man Ther 2005; 10: 127-35.

19.

Aquino

Caires

Furtado

Loureiro

Ferreira

. Applying joint mobilization at different cervical vertebral levels does not influence immediate pain reduction in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther 2009; 17: 95-100.

20.

Hidalgo

. Detrembleur C, Hall T, Mahaudens P, Nielens H. The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for different stages of non-specific low back pain: An update of systematic reviews. J Man Manip Ther 2014; 22: 59-74.

21.

Konstantinou

Foster

Rushton

Baxter

. The use and reported effects of mobilization with movement techniques in low back pain management; a cross-sectional descriptive survey of physiotherapists in Britain. Man Ther 2002; 7: 206-14.

22.

Hidalgo

Pitance

Hall

Detrembleur

Nielens

. Short-term effects of Mulligan mobilization with movement on pain, disability, and kinematic spinal movements in patients with nonspecific low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2015; 38: 365-74.

23.

Miller

Gross

D’Sylva

Burnie

Goldsmith

Graham

, et al. Manual therapy and exercise for neck pain: A systematic review. Man Ther 2010; 15: 334-354.

24.

van Tulder

Furlan

Bombardier

Bouter

. Update method guidelines for systematic reviews in the cochrane collaboration back review group. Spine 2003; 28: 1290-9.

25.

Ganesh

Mohanty

Pattnaik

Mishra

. Effectiveness of mobilization therapy and exercises in mechanical neck pain. Physiother Theory Pract 2015; 31: 99-106.

26.

Leininger

Evans

Bronfort

. Exploring patient satisfaction: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial of spinal manipulation, home exercise, and medication for acute and subacute neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014; 37: 593-601.

27.

Akhter

Khan

Ali

Soomro

. Role of manual therapy with exercise regime versus exercise regime alone in the management of non-specific chronic neck pain. Pak J Pharm Sci 2014; 27: 2125-8.

28.

Lopez-Lopez

Alonso Perez

González Gutierez

La Touche

Lerma Lara

, et al. Mobilization versus manipulations versus sustain apophyseal natural glide techniques and interaction with psychological factors for patients with chronic neck pain: Randomized controlled trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2015; 51: 121-32.

29.

Beltran-Alacreu

López-de-Uralde-Villanueva

Fernández -Carnero

La Touche

. Manual therapy, therapeutic patient education, and therapeutic exercise, an effective multimodal treatment of nonspecific chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2015; 94: 887-97.

30.

Furlan

Malmivaara

Chou

Maher

Deyo

Schoene

, et al. Updated method guideline for systematic reviews in the cochrane back and neck group. Spine 2015; 40: 1660-73.

31.

Guzman

Hurwitz

Carroll

Haldeman

Cote

Carragee

, et al. A new conceptual model of neck pain: Linking onset, course, and care: The bone and joint decade 2000-2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders. Spine 2008; 33: 14-23.

32.

Bronfort

Haas

Evans

Bouter

. Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: A systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Spine J 2004; 4: 335-56.

33.

Cleland

Fritz

Kulig

Davenport

Eberhart

Magel

, et al. Comparison of the effectiveness of three manual physical therapy techniques in a subgroup of patients with low back pain who satisfy a clinical prediction rule: A randomized clinical trial. Spine 2009; 34: 2720-9.

34.

Di Fabio

. Efficacy of manual therapy. Phys Ther 1992; 72: 853-64.

35.

Bronfort

. Spinal manipulation: Current state of research and its indications. Neurol Clin 1999; 17: 91-111.

36.

Mulligan

. “Nags”, “Snags”, “MWMS” etc. 4 ed. Welligton, New Zealand: Plane View Services Ltd; 1999.

37.

Hing

Hall

Rivett

Vicenzino

Mulligan

. The mulligan concept of manual therapy. Elsevier, Australia 2015; 1-489.

38.

Demoulin

Depas

Vanderthommen

Henrotin

Wolfs

Cagnie

Hidalgo

. Orthopaedic manual therapy: Definition, characteristics and update on the situation in Belgium. Rev Med Liège 2017; 72: 126-31.

39.

Niemisto

Lahtinen-Suopanki

Rissanen

Lindgren

Sarna

Hurri

. A randomized trial of combined manipulation, stabilizing exercises, and physician consultation compared to physician consultation alone for chronic low back pain. Spine 2003; 28: 2185-91.

40.

Kent

Mjosund

Petersen

. Does targeting manual therapy and/or exercise improve patient outcomes in nonspecific low back pain? A systematic review. BMC Med 2010; 8(22): 1-15.

41.

Waddell

Phillips

. The back pain revolution. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh 2000; 1-480.

42.

Puentedura

Landers

Cleland

Mintken

Huijbregts

Fernandez-de-Las-Penas

. Thoracic spine thrust manipulation versus cervical spine thrust manipulation in patients with acute neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011; 41: 208-20.

43.

Gonzalez-Iglesias

Fernandez-de-las-Penas

Cleland

Gutierrez-Vega

. Thoracic spine manipulation for the management of patients with neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009; 39: 20-7.

44.

Blikstad

Gemmell

. Immediate effect of activator trigger point therapy and myofascial band therapy on non-specific neck pain in patients with upper trapezius trigger points compared to sham ultrasound: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical Chiropractic 2008; 11: 23-29.

45.

Gemmell

Miller

Nordstrom

. Immediate effect of ischaemic compression and trigger point pressure release on neck pain and upper trapezius trigger points: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical Chiropractic 2008; 11: 30-36.

46.

Bronfort

Evans

Anderson

Svendsen

Bracha

Grimm

. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2012; 156: 1-10.

47.

Cherkin

Deyo

Street

Hunt

Barlow

. Pitfalls of patient education. Limited success of a pogam fo back pain in primary care. Spine 1996; 21: 345-55.

48.

Masaracchio

Cleland

Hellman

Hagins

. Short-term combined effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation and cervical spine nonthrust manipulation in individuals with mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013; 43: 118-27.

49.

Izquierdo Perez

Alonso Perez

Gil Martinez

La Touche

Lerma-Lara

Commeaux Gonzalez

, et al. Is one better than another? A randomized clinical trial of manual therapy for patients with chronic neck pain. Man Ther 2014; 19: 215-21.

50.

Lopez-Lopez

Alonso Perez

Gonzalez Gutierez

La Touche

Lerma Lara

Izquierdo

, et al. Mobilization versus manipulations versus sustain appophyseal natural glide techniques and interaction with psychological factors for patients with chronic neck pain: Randomized control Trial. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2015; 51: 121-32.

51.

Saavedra-Hernandez

Castro-Sanchez

Arroyo-Morales

Cleland

Lara-Palomo

Fernandez-de-Las-Penas

. Short-term effects of kinesio taping versus cervical thrust manipulation in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012; 42: 724-30.

52.

Martinez-Segura

De-la-Lave-Rincon

Ortega-Santiago

Cleland

Fernandez-de-Las-Penas

. Immediate changes in widespread pressure pain sensitivity, neck pain, and cervical range of motion after cervical or thoracic thrust manipulation in patients with bilateral chronic mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012; 42: 806-14.

53.

Kanlayanaphotporn

Chiradejnant

Vachalathiti

. The immediate effects of mobilization technique on pain and range of motion in patients presenting with unilateral neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009; 90: 187-92.

54.

Schomacher

. The effect of an analgesic mobilization technique when applied at symptomatic or asymptomatic levels of the cervical spine in subjects with neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. J Man Manip Ther 2009; 17: 101-8.

55.

Evans

Bronfort

Schulz

Maiers

Bracha

Svendsen

, et al. Supervised exercise with and without spinal manipulation performs similarly and better than home exercise for chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Spine 2012; 37: 903-14.

56.

Gross

Miller

D’Sylva

Burnie

Goldsmith

Graham

, et al. Manipulation or mobilisation for neck pain: A Cochrane Review. Man Ther 2010; 15: 315-33.

57.

Hurwitz

Morgenstern

Vassilaki

Chiang

. Adverse reactions to chiropractic treatment and their effects on satisfaction and clinical outcomes among patients enrolled in the UCLA Neck Pain Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2004; 27: 16-25.

58.

Carnes

Mars

Mullinger

Froud

Underwood

. Adverse events and manual therapy: A systematic review. Man Ther 2010; 15: 355-63.

59.

Cagnie

Vinck

Beernaert

Cambier

. How common are side effects of spinal manipulation and can these side effects be predicted? Man Ther 2004; 9: 151-6.

60.

Paanalahti

Holm

Nordin

Asker

Lyander

Skillgate

. Adverse events after manual therapy among patients seeking care for neck and/or back pain: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014; 15: 77.

61.

Thomas

Rivett

Attia

Levi

. Risk factors and clinical presentation of craniocervical arterial dissection: A prospective study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012; 13: 164.

62.

Kerry

Taylor

Mitchell

McCarthy

Brew

. Manual therapy and cervical arterial dysfunction, directions for the future: A clinical perspective. J Man Manip Ther 2008; 16: 39-48.

63.

Cassidy

Bronfort

Hartvigsen

. Should we abandon cervical spine manipulation for mechanical neck pain? No. BMJ 2012; 344: 3680.

64.

Wand

Heine

O’Connell

. Should we abandon cervical spine manipulation for mechanical neck pain? Yes. BMJ 2012; 344: 3679.

65.

Haldeman

Kohlbeck

McGregor

. Stroke, cerebral artery dissection, and cervical spine manipulation therapy. J Neurol 2002; 249: 1098-104.

66.

Thomas

. Cervical arterial dissection: An overview and implications for manipulative therapy practice. Man Ther 2016 Feb; 21: 2-9.

67.

Ford

Hahne

. Complexity in the physiotherapy management of low back disorders: Clinical and research implications. Man Ther 2013; 18: 438-42.

68.

Foster

Hill

O’Sullivan

Hancock

. Stratified models of care. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2013; 27: 649-61.

69.

Dewitte

Beernaert

Vanthillo

Barbe

Danneels

Cagnie

. Articular dysfunction patterns in patients with mechanical neck pain: A clinical algorithm to guide specific mobilization and manipulation techniques. Man Ther 2014; 19: 2-9.

70.

Jones

Edwards

Gifford

. Conceptual models for implementing biopsychosocial theory in clinical practice. Man Ther 2002; 7: 2-9.

71.

Hidalgo

. Evidence based orthopaedic manual therapy for patients with non-secific low back pain: An integrative approach. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2016; 29: 231-9.

72.

Llamas-Ramos R, Pecos-Martin D, Gallego-Izquierdo T, Llamas-Ramos I, Plaza-Manzano G, Ortega-SantiagoR, et al. Comparison of the short-term outcomes between trigger point dry needling and trigger point manual therapy for the management of chronic mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014; 44: 852-61.

73.

Madson

TJ.

, Cieslak

KR.

, Gay

RE.

,Joint mobilization vs massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: a pilot study to assess recruitment strategies and estimate outcome measure variability, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2010; 33: 644-51.

74.

Salom-Moreno J, Ortega-Santiago R, Cleland JA, Palacios-Cena M, Truyols-Dominguez S, Fernandez-de-las-Penas C. Immediate changes in neck pain intensity and widespread pressure pain sensitivity in patients with bilateral chronic mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial of thoracic thrust manipulation vs non-thrust mobilization. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2014; 37: 312-9.

75.

Leaver

AM.

, Maher

CG.

, Herbert

RD.

, Latimer

, McAuley

JH.

, Jull

, et al.A randomized controlled trial comparing manipulation with mobilization for recent onset neck pain, Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010; 91: 1313-8.

76.

Saavedra-Hernandez

, Arroyo-Morales

, Cantarero-Villanueva

, Fernandez-Lao

, Castro-Sanchez

AM.

, Puentedura

EJ.

, et al.Short-term effects of spinal thrust joint manipulation in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized clinical trial, Clin Rehabil 2013; 27: 504-12.

77.

Cleland JA, Glynn P, Whitman JM, Eberhart SL, MacDonald C, Childs JD. Short-term effects of thrust versus nonthrust mobilization/manipulation directed at the thoracic spine in patients with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther 2007; 87: 431-40.

78.

Suvarnnato

, Puntumetakul

, Kaber

, Boucaut

, Boonphakob

, Arayawichanon

, et al.The effects of thoracic manipulation versus mobilization for chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial pilot study, J Phys Ther Sci 2013; 25: 865-71.

79.

Dziedzic

, Hill

, Lewis

, Sim

, Daniels

, Hay

EM.

,Effectiveness of manual therapy or pulsed shortwave diathermy in addition to advice and exercise for neck disorders: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial in physical therapy clinics, Arthritis Rheum 2005; 53: 214-22.

80.

Saayman

, Hay

, Abrahamse

,Chiropractic manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy in the management of cervical facet dysfunction: a randomized controlled study, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011; 34: 153-63.

81.

Zaproudina

, Hanninen

OO.

, Airaksinen

,Effectiveness of traditional bone setting in chronic neck pain: randomized clinical trial, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007; 30: 432-7.

82.

Snodgrass

SJ.

, Rivett

DA.

, Sterling

, Vicenzino

,Dose optimization for spinal treatment effectiveness: a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of high and low mobilization forces in patients with neck pain, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014; 44: 141-52.

83.

Ylinen

, Kautiainen

, Wiren

, Hakkinen

,Stretching exercises vs manual therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: a randomized, controlled cross-over trial. J Rehabil Med 2007; 39: 126-32.

84.

Lluch

, Schomacher

, Gizzi

, Petzke

, Seegar

, Falla

,Immediate effects of active cranio-cervical flexion exercise versus passive mobilisation of the upper cervical spine on pain and performance on the cranio-cervical flexion test, Man Ther 2014; 19: 25-31.

85.

Martinez-Segura

,Fernandez-de-las-Penas C, Ruiz-Saez M, Lopez-Jimenez C, Rodriguez-Blanco C. Immediate effects on neck pain and active range of motion after a single cervical high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation in subjects presenting with mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29: 511-7.

86.

Vernon

, Triano

JT.

, Soave

, Dinulos

, Ross

, Tran

,Retention of blinding at follow-up in a randomized clinical study using a sham-control cervical manipulation procedure for neck pain: secondary analyses from a randomized clinical study, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2013; 36: 522-6.

87.

Hoving JL, de Vet HC, Koes BW, Mameren H, Deville WL, van der Windt DA, et al. Manual therapy, physical therapy, or continued care by the general practitioner for patients with neck pain: long-term results from a pragmatic randomized clinical trial. Clin J Pain 2006: 22: 370-7.

88.

Dunning JR, Cleland JA, Waldrop MA, Arnot CF, Young IA, Turner M, et al. Upper cervical and upper thoracic thrust manipulation versus nonthrust mobilization in patients with mechanical neck pain: a multicenter randomized clinical trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012; 42: 5-18.

89.

Palmgren

PJ.

, Sandstrom

PJ.

, Lundqvist

FJ.

, Heikkila

,Improvement after chiropractic care in cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and subjective pain intensity in patients with nontraumatic chronic neck pain, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2006; 29: 100-6.

90.

Martel

, Dugas

, Dubois

JD.

, Descarreaux

,A randomised controlled trial of preventive spinal manipulation with and without a home exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain, BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12: 41.

91.

Cleland JA, Childs JD, McRae M, Palmer JA, Stowell T. Immediate effects of thoracic manipulation in patients with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. Man Ther 2005; 10: 127-35.

92.

Escortell-Mayor

, Riesgo-Fuertes

, Garrido-Elustondo

, Asunsolo-Del Barco

, Diaz-Pulido

, Blanco-Diaz

, et al.Primary care randomized clinical trial: manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with TENS in patients with neck pain, Man Ther 2011; 16: 66-73.

93.

McReynolds

TM.

, Sheridan

BJ.

,Intramuscular ketorolac versus osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of acute neck pain in the emergency department: a randomized clinical trial, J Am Osteopath Assoc 2005; 105: 57-68.

94.

Boyles

RE.

, Walker

MJ.

, Young

BA.

, Strunce

, Wainner

RS.

,The addition of cervical thrust manipulations to a manual physical therapy approach in patients treated for mechanical neck pain: a secondary analysis, J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010; 40: 133-40.

95.

Evans

, Bronfort

, Bittell

, Anderson

AV.

,A pilot study for a randomized clinical trial assessing chiropractic care, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain patients. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003; 26: 403-11.

96.

Groeneweg R, Kropman H, Leopold H, van Assen L, Mulder J. van Tulder MW, et al. The effectiveness and cost-evaluation of manual therapy and physical therapy in patients with sub-acute and chronic non specific neck pain. Rationale and design of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2010; 11: 14.

97.

Hurwitz

EL.

, Morgenstern

, Harber

, Kominski

GF.

, Yu

, Adams

AH.

,A randomized trial of chiropractic manipulation and mobilization for patients with neck pain: clinical outcomes from the UCLA neck-pain study, Am J Public Health 2002; 92: 1634-41.

98.

Kanlayanaphotporn

, Chiradejnant

, Vachalathiti

,Immediate effects of the central posteroanterior mobilization technique on pain and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain, Disabil Rehabil 2010; 32: 622-8.

99.

Hoving JL, Koes BW, de Vet HC, van der Windt DA, Assendelft WJ, van Mameren H, et al. Manual therapy, physical therapy, or continued care by a general practitioner for patients with neck pain. A randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med 2002; 136: 713-22.

100.

Mansilla-Ferragut

,Fernandez-de-Las Penas C, Alburquerque-Sendin F, Cleland JA, Bosca-Gandia JJ. Immediate effects of atlanto-occipital joint manipulation on active mouth opening and pressure pain sensitivity in women with mechanical neck pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009; 32: 101-6.

101.

Wood

TG.

, Colloca

CJ.

, Matthews

,A pilot randomized clinical trial on the relative effect of instrumental (MFMA) versus manual (HVLA) manipulation in the treatment of cervical spine dysfunction, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001; 24: 260-71.

102.

Strunk

RG.

, Hondras

MA.

,A feasibility study assessing manual therapies to different regions of the spine for patients with subacute or chronic neck pain, J Chiropr Med 2008; 7: 1-8.

103.

van Schalkwyk

, Parkin-Smith

GF.

,A clinical trial investigating the possible effect of the supine cervical rotatory manipulation and the supine lateral break manipulation in the treatment of mechanical neck pain: a pilot study, J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000; 23: 324-31.

104.

Walker

MJ.

, Boyles

RE.

, Young

BA.

, Strunce

JB.

, Garber

MB.

, Whitman

JM.

, et al.The effectiveness of manual physical therapy and exercise for mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial, Spine 2008; 33: 2371-8.

105.

Hanten

WP.

, Olson

SL.

, Butts

NL.

, Nowicki

AL.

,Effectiveness of a home program of ischemic pressure followed by sustained stretch for treatment of myofascial trigger points, Phys Ther 2000; 80: 997-1003.

106.

Hakkinen

, Salo

, Tarvainen

, Wiren

, Ylinen

,Effect of manual therapy and stretching on neck muscle strength and mobility in chronic neck pain, J Rehabil Med 2007; 39: 575-9.

107.

Ali

, Shakil-ur-Rehman

, Sibtain

,The efficacy of sustained natural apophyseal glides with and without isometric exercise training in non-specific neck pain, Pak J Med Sci 2014; 30: 872-4.

108.

Beltran-Alacreu

,Lopez-de-Uralde-Villanueva I, Fernandez-Carnero J, La Touche R. Manual therapy, therapeutic patient education, and therapeutic exercise, an effective multimodal treatment of nonspecific chronic neck pain. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2015; 10: 887-97.

The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

METHOD:

RESULTS:

CONCLUSION:

Keywords

1. Introduction

2.1 Search strategy

2.2 Inclusion criteria

2.2.1 Study design

2.2.2 Patients

2.3 Interventions

Table 1 Summary of articles for patients with acute-subacute neck pain

2.5 Outcome measures of effectiveness

2.5.1 Quality assessment

Table 2 Summary of articles for patients with chronic neck pain

3. Results

3.1 Effects of interventions on acute-subacute NP

3.1.1 MT1 to the cervical spine with exercise versus MT1 to the thoracic spine with exercise

3.1.2 MT1 with electro/thermal-therapy versus electro/thermal-therapy alone

3.1.3 Comparison of two MT2 interventions

3.1.4 MT2 versus sham-Ultrasound (SUS)

3.1.5 MT3 versus usual-medical-care and home exercise

3.1.6 MT3 with exercise versus MT2 with exercise

3.1.7 MT2 with exercise and MT4 with exercise versus exercise alone

3.2 Effects of interventions on chronic NP

3.2.1 MT1 in comparison to MT2 and MT4

3.2.2 MT1 to the cervical spine versus kinesio-Tape

3.2.3 MT1 to the cervical spine versus MT1 to the thoracic spine

3.2.4 MT versus <<no-treatment>>

3.2.5 MT1 with infrared radiation therapy (IRT) and exercise versus IRT and exercise alone

3.2.6 MT2 on symptomatic spinal level(s) versus “sham” MT2 (random location)

3.2.7 MT versus active rehabilitation

4. Discussion

Table 3 Summary findings for MT1-4 combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for neck pain. Strength of new evidence is shown in italic text. Upgrade of previous evidence is shown in classical text [75, 94, 56]

4.2 NP classification

5. Limitations

6. Conclusion

Footnotes

Conflict of interest

Appendix 1

Risk of bias assessment

Appendix 2

References

Table 1
Summary of articles for patients with acute-subacute neck pain

Table 2
Summary of articles for patients with chronic neck pain

Table 3
Summary findings for MT1-4 combined or not with exercise and/or usual medical care for neck pain. Strength of new evidence is shown in italic text. Upgrade of previous evidence is shown in classical text [75, 94, 56]