Cognitive functional therapy for persistent neck pain.

AIMS: Persistent neck pain is a leading cause of years lived with disability. The aim of the current study is to describe and evaluate cognitive functional therapy for patients with persistent neck pain.

METHODS

We recruited 74 patients (73% women) aged 22-76 years, with persistent neck pain. The outcomes were neck pain at activity and rest measured by 11-point numeric rating scales (NRS), disability by Neck Disability Index (NDI) (0-100), Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Hopkin Symptom Check List (HSCL-10) at baseline and post-treatment. The treatment program included 5 sessions and focused on cognitive strategies and exposure to physical activities.

RESULTS

Sixty (81%) patients had follow-ups. Neck pain during activity was reduced by a mean of 3.3 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 2.6 to 3.2) and 2.5 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.1) at rest. NDI was reduced by 16.3 (95% CI 12.0-20.5). Similar large improvements were observed for FABQ and HSCL-10. Ninety-eight percent of the participants reported that they would recommend the program to other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically relevant improvements were observed in pain, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, and emotional distress following CFT in patients with persistent neck pain.