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 .
Active or passive physiotherapy for occupational cervicobrachial disorders? A comparison of two treatment methods with a 1-year follow-up.
In this study 169 female office employees were interviewed and examined to determine the occurrence and severity of neck and shoulder symptoms . Forty-seven of those with symptoms who fulfilled the criteria taken as indicating need for treatment were enrolled in a controlled clinical trial and divided into two groups . One group participated in dynamic muscle training of neck and shoulder muscles ( active physiotherapy ) . The other patients were treated by means of surface heat , massage , and stretching ( passive physiotherapy ) .  Pain in the neck and shoulder regions disappeared significantly more often just after active treatment as compared to passive treatment . Symptoms returned within three months in both groups . However , after 12 months , the incidence of headache was significantly less in the group that had received active physiotherapy . Maximal isometric muscle strength in relation to cervical lateral flexion and extension and grip strength and endurance force of shoulder muscles improved significantly after active physiotherapy , but only maximal isometric extension force increased significantly after passive physiotherapy .  Numbers of tender points in neck and shoulder muscles decreased significantly after both types of physiotherapy . Pressure threshold levels increased but not significantly in both groups during treatment
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 .