The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):23–24. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,sr,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

chronic pain [323]
neck pain [179]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
systematic review [445]

Abstract:

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) currently affects 203 million people worldwide, with projections rising to 269 million by 2050. CNP can result from muscle strain, stress, or underlying health issues, ranging from mild discomfort to serious conditions. Around half of those affected experience recurrence despite standard medical care. While effective protocols exist for conditions like whiplash and cervical radiculopathy, treatment for CNP often relies on alternative therapies, including manual approaches. Integrating osteopathic care into these treatments may enhance long-term outcomes. Methods: The primary databases used were CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science. This analysis aims to assess neck pain in the context of modern lifestyle changes and mechanical dysfunction, following JBI systematic review methodology. Results: Randomized controlled trials of osteopathic treatment modalities, including High Velocity Low Amplitude, Muscle Energy, and soft tissue techniques, show significant improvements in chronic neck pain compared to control and alternative groups. These studies assessed outcomes using various measures, such as the Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, range of motion, and standing postural balance. The consistent positive results across overlapping outcomes support the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in chronic neck pain management. Secondary outcomes also demonstrated moderate to long-term improvements in sleep and fatigue. Despite limitations such as small sample sizes (<100) and relatively short follow-up periods (up to 52 weeks), randomized controlled trials highlight OMT's consistent and promising advantages. Conclusion: OMT remains underutilized and warrants further research to highlight the benefits of its long-term use. Understanding viscerosomatic treatment of neck pain can provide a valuable precedent for identifying other chronic conditions.