Neck pain: revision 2017

This is the 2017 revision of the Orthopaedic Section (now APTA Orthopedics) guideline on neck pain, published in JOSPT and linked to the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. It covers screening for serious pathology, imaging referral, outcome measures, examination and treatment.

It sorts patients into four groups: neck pain with mobility deficits, with movement coordination problems (including whiplash), with headache, and with radiating arm pain. It then gives recommendations by group and by stage (acute, subacute or chronic).

Across the groups, the guideline pairs thoracic and cervical manipulation or mobilization with exercise for the neck and shoulder girdle. It also places options such as dry needling, laser, traction and TENS within certain groups, and stresses education, reassurance and staying active for whiplash-type presentations.