Manipulation for acute neck pain- does it work?

Does spinal manipulation actually help with acute neck pain? A recent systematic review and meta-analysis took a look HERE.

Acute neck pain , meaning neck pain that lasts less than three months, is very common and can lead to disability or persistent problems. The authors wanted to investigate how effective and safe SMT is specifically for acute neck pain, since previous reviews often mixed acute, sub-acute, and chronic cases, which makes interpretation difficult.

Methods
The researchers searched several major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane) up to March 20, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving SMT versus control in adults with acute neck pain lasting less than 3 months. Outcomes of interest were pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and disability. They included 8 RCTs, with a total of 965 patients.

Key Findings

• Pain: SMT significantly reduced pain compared to controls (mean difference 1.53 points lower on the pain scale, 95% CI 0.83 to 2.22)
• Cervical range of motion: SMT improved neck movement in all directions (flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion). Flexion improved by a mean of 11 degrees (95% CI 9.10 to 12.93)
• Disability: Patients receiving SMT had lower disability scores than controls (mean difference 6.20, 95% CI 2.59 to 9.81)
• Safety: No serious adverse events were reported. One patient had a mild, transient arm sensation episode after SMT

Clinical Implications
Despite limitations (small sample sizes in some cases, dose/response not established), the review suggests SMT can be an effective and safe option for acute neck pain: it reduces pain, improves neck movement, and lowers disability in the short term. SMT is best considered alongside other treatments, such as exercise and education.

This study is a good start, but more research is required to determine which patients benefit most, how much and how often it should be performed, and which SMT techniques work best.

If you suffer from neck pain, or have more questions about this study, feel free to contact us HERE.

WANTED: PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Our awesome physio, Sayaka, is expecting her second child and needs help keeping her patients strong and healthy!

Sayaka works with a diversity of patients ranging from Parkinson’s rehab, surgical rehab all the way to strength training for athletes. We are looking for somebody who works with a strong emphasis on strength work/ rehab- we want to put that gym space to use!

Some general facts about the job:

• Flexible hours
• Expected duration: 1 year
• Part-time or full time- we will take what we can get if the practitioner is a good fit!
• Your own treatment room and access to gym space
• Jane practice software
• Patient- focused, evidence-based work environment
• Plenty of parking with store front entrance into the clinic
• Reception coverage for 40 hours/week with the option to work outside of those hours

There’s always the option to work beyond the locum if it makes sense for all, but for now the focus would be on maintaining Sayaka’s patients and other new physio patients that come into the clinic.

E-mail seandelanghe@gmail.com if you want to learn more!

Stretch or Strengthen a “stiff” muscle?

By: Sayaka Thiessen, Waterloo Physiotherapist

I am sure most of use have experienced a muscle that feels tight and stiff. Most people immediately think to stretch the affected area, but is that always the solution? 

If you have stretched to the ends of the earth but you still feel tight, it might be time to change the approach and try to strengthen it. The sensation of “tightness” doesn’t always mean a short muscle. It could, in fact, mean that the muscle is weak or that a joint lacks motor control and needs to be trained. 

Getting assessed by a healthcare professional, like a physiotherapist, you can determine if stretching, or strengthening, or a combination of the two is the way forward. 

Looking for a physiotherapist in Waterloo? Sayaka might be a good fit for you, read more HERE.