Risk factors for non-specific neck pain

January 01, 0001

Risk factors for non-specific neck pain

Neck pain is a common complaint seen in primary care. These British researchers investigated factors are linked with the onset of non-specific neck pain via a systematic review. Prospective studies investigating risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain in asymptomatic populations with a minimum of 1 year follow up were included.

The researchers report: "14 independent cohort studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Thirteen studies were assessed as high quality. Female gender, older age, high job demands, low social/work support, being an ex-smoker, a history of low back disorders and a history of neck disorders were linked to the development of non-specific neck pain."

The researchers concluded: "Various clinical and sociodemographic risk factors were identified that have implications for occupational health and health policy. However, there was a lack of good-quality research investigating the predictive nature of many other variables."

This study identifies risk factors for the development of nonspecific neck pain, but more research is needed.

For the full abstract, click here.

Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health 64(7):565-572, July 2010 © 2010 by the BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
Risk factors for the onset of non-specific neck pain: a systematic review. Sionnadh Mairi McLean, Stephen May, Jennifer Klaber-Moffett, Donald Macfie Sharp, Eric Gardiner. Correspondence to Sionnadh McLean: [email protected]

Category: M Musculoskeletal Keywords: neck pain, non-specific neck pain, risk factors, back pain, support, systematic review, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 10 August 2010

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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