Bearing in mind the limited number of studies and the low method ological quality , there are some indications that the localization ( radiation to the arms/neurologic signs ) and radiologic findings ( degenerative changes in the discs and joints ) are not associated with a worse prognosis .
A higher severity of pain and a history of previous attacks however , seems to be associated with a worse prognosis
Neck pain occurs frequently in western societies .
In the majority of cases , no specific cause can be identified .
In order to gain insight into the clinical course and prognostic factors of non-specific neck pain , a systematic review was conducted .
A controlled study of acupuncture in neck pain.
Twenty-five out- patients with chronic neck pain participated in a prospect i ve , r and omized trial of acupuncture versus placebo transcutaneous nerve stimulation . A single-blind , non-cross-over design incorporated several outcome measures in an attempt to determine any particular facet of pain that responded to acupuncture .  No significant difference between the two treatments was found either post-treatment or at follow-up . Whilst the small population studied limits the conclusions that may be drawn , these findings suggest that acupuncture may have no greater effect than that of a powerful placebo
Bearing in mind the limited number of studies and the low method ological quality , there are some indications that the localization ( radiation to the arms/neurologic signs ) and radiologic findings ( degenerative changes in the discs and joints ) are not associated with a worse prognosis .
A higher severity of pain and a history of previous attacks however , seems to be associated with a worse prognosis
Neck pain occurs frequently in western societies .
In the majority of cases , no specific cause can be identified .
In order to gain insight into the clinical course and prognostic factors of non-specific neck pain , a systematic review was conducted .