The objective of this study is to identify subgroups of patients with non-specific neck pain who are more likely to benefit from either physiotherapy, spinal manipulation therapy, or usual care, on the short- and long-term. Data of three recently finished randomised controlled trials, with similar design and setting, were combined. The combined study population consisted of 329 patients with non-specific neck pain in an adult (18-70years) primary care population in the Netherlands. The primary outcome measure was global perceived recovery and was measured at the end of the treatment period and after 52 weeks of follow-up. Fourteen candidate variables were selected for the analysis. The analysis revealed three predictors for recovery of which the effect is modified by treatment: pain intensity (0-10 scale) in the short-term model, age and (no) accompanying low back pain in the long-term model. With these predictors a clinically relevant improvement in recovery rate (up to 25% improvement) can be established in patients receiving a tailored instead of a non-advised treatment.
In conclusion this study identified three characteristics that facilitate a deliberate treatment choice, to optimise benefit of treatment in patients with non-specific neck pain: age, pain intensity, and (no) accompanying low back pain.