Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 32, Issue 2, Supplement , Pages S108-S116, February 2009

Course and Prognostic Factors for Neck Pain in Workers:

Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders

  • Linda J. Carroll, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health Sciences
    • The Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Canada
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress correspondence and reprint request to Linda J. Carroll, 4075 RTF, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1
    • ,
  • Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Canada
    • Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
    • ,
  • Pierre Côté, DC, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Centre of Research Expertise in Improved Disability Outcomes (CREIDO), University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada
    • Departments of Public Health Sciences and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
    • Division of Health Care and Outcomes Research, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
    • Institute for Work & Health, Toronto, Canada
    • ,
  • Gabrielle van der Velde, DC

      Affiliations

    • Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Canada
    • Centre of Research Expertise in Improved Disability Outcomes (CREIDO), University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada
    • Division of Health Care and Outcomes Research, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
    • Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
    • ,
  • Lena W. Holm, DrMedSc

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
    • ,
  • Eugene J. Carragee, MD, FACS

      Affiliations

    • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
    • Orthopedic Spine Center and Spinal Surgery Service, Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA
    • ,
  • Eric L. Hurwitz, DC, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Public Health Sciences, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
    • ,
  • Paul M. Peloso, MD, MSc, FRCP(C)

      Affiliations

    • Endocrinology, Analgesia and Inflammation, Merck & Co. Rahway, NJ
    • ,
  • J. David Cassidy, DC, PhD, DrMedSc

      Affiliations

    • Centre of Research Expertise in Improved Disability Outcomes (CREIDO), University Health Network Rehabilitation Solutions, Toronto Western Hospital, Canada
    • Departments of Public Health Sciences and Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
    • Division of Health Care and Outcomes Research, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
    • ,
  • Jaime Guzman, MD, MSc, FRCP(C)

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia
    • Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in BC, British Columbia, Canada
    • ,
  • Margareta Nordin, PT, DrMedSc

      Affiliations

    • Departments of Orthopedics and Environmental Medicine and Program of Ergonomics and Biomechanics, School of Medicine and Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University
    • Occupational and Industrial Orthopedic Center (OIOC), New York University Medical Center
    • ,
  • Scott Haldeman, DC, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA
    • Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA

Abstract 

Study Design

Best-evidence synthesis.

Objective

To perform a best evidence synthesis on the course and prognostic factors for neck pain and its associated disorders in workers.

Summary of Background Data

Knowledge of the course of neck pain in workers guides expectations for recovery. Identifying prognostic factors assists in planning effective workplace policies, formulating interventions and promoting lifestyle changes to decrease the frequency and burden of neck pain in the workplace.

Methods

The Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders (Neck Pain Task Force) conducted a critical review of the literature published between 1980 and 2006 to assemble the best evidence on neck pain and its associated disorders. Studies meeting criteria for scientific validity were included in a best evidence synthesis.

Results

We found 226 articles related to course and prognostic factors in neck pain and its associated disorders. After a critical review, 70 (31%) were accepted on scientific merit; 14 of these studies related to course and prognostic factors in working populations. Between 60% and 80% of workers with neck pain reported neck pain 1 year later. Few workplace or physical job demands were identified as being linked to recovery from neck pain. However, workers with little influence on their own work situation had a slightly poorer prognosis, and white-collar workers had a better prognosis than blue-collar workers. General exercise was associated with better prognosis; prior neck pain and prior sick leave were associated with poorer prognosis.

Conclusion

The Neck Pain Task Force presents a report of current best evidence on course and prognosis for neck pain. Few modifiable prognostic factors were identified; however, having some influence over one's own job and being physically active seem to hold promise as prognostic factors.

Key words: neck pain, systematic review, epidemiology, prognosis

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 The manuscript submitted does not contain information about medical device(s)/drug(s).

 Corporate/Industry, Foundation, and Professional Organizational funds were received in support of this work. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.

 Reprinted from Carroll LJ et al. Course and Prognostic Factors for Neck Pain in Workers. Results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine 2008;33:S93-S100. Reprinted with permission from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

PII: S0161-4754(08)00342-4

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.11.015

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 32, Issue 2, Supplement , Pages S108-S116, February 2009

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