Risk factors for first-episode neck pain
Neck pain is a worldwide common condition associated with various levels of disability and socioeconomic consequences for individuals and communities. Because new studies were published since previous reviews, and given the fact that these previous reviews didn’t specifically address the occurrence of first episodes of neck pain, this review to identify neck pain incidence and physical/ psychosocial factors associated with a first episode of neck pain was conducted.
A database search yielded 10 articles concerning initial episodes of neck pain and including risk measures selected for review. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the QUIPS (Quality in Prognostic Studies) tool. Risk measures reported included risk ratio, odds ratio and hazard ratio.
The authors of this review found the global incidence of neck pain to be about 15%. The largest risk factors for an initial episode of neck pain were mainly psychosocial (depressed mood, high perceived muscular tension, and perceived role conflict) rather than physical and individual risk factors. These psychosocial factors are modifiable, so prevention strategies should include stakeholder education address work and social related issues.
The novelty in this review’s findings is that all the major risk factors found were psychosocial (depressed mood, high perceived muscular tension and perceived role conflict). Physical and individual factors were found to be less common and to present less risk. The psychosocial factors identified are highly modifiable and so the authors highlight the potential role of stakeholder education and psychological screening in the prevention of neck pain, although more studies evaluating these outcomes are still needed.
> From: Kim et al., Musculoskelet Sci Pract 33 (2017-12-21 06:00:05) 77-83 (Epub ahead of print). All rights reserved to Elsevier B.V.. Click here for the online summary.
