Chronic neck pain has been the focus of an international seven year study looking at the seriousness of neck pain and its disorders. Dr. Marc White, Director of the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability – who has been the victim of whiplash on 2 separate road accidents says, “Neck pain is very prevalent in society, Up to 70 per cent of the population will experience an episode of neck pain.”
The study found that once popular treatments for neck injuries including ultrasound treatment and neck collars should not be used.
Instead focus was more on allowing the neck to move freely while under treatment. The seven year study found that some alternative therapies such as acupuncture, neck manipulation and massage are better for managing most common neck pain.
They also stated that one treatment does not fit all and people may have to try a variety of therapies or a combination of therapies to find the best cure. Surgery is a last resort and is only ever considered for extreme serious neck injury.
On whiplash injuries brought about by road accidents the report stated better head restraints could reduce the number of incidents by 35% although better education and improved regulations also had to be in force to help reach that figure.
More information on the report is available to download at The Bone and Joint Task Force.