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 .
Manipulation for Chronic Neck Pain: A Double‐Blind Controlled Study
Twenty-one patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis or nonspecific neck pain were given an amnesic dose of diazepam before manipulation of the cervical spine . Eighteen patients served as controls  and also received diazepam but no manipulation . Results were obtained in a r and omized , double-blind fashion . Statements of outcome by patients and mean visual analog scales for pain and activity showed no significant differences between manipulation and control groups , though both tests favored manipulation . Control subjects subsequently treated by manipulation showed no consistent favorable response . Question naires dealing with personality , life events , social and medical histories , etc . , provided no correlations with outcome , nor did radiographic findings . Diffuse local tenderness correlated with high pain scores after treatment . The authors conclude that the value of a single manipulation of the cervical spine has not been established and that further exploration of indications is needed . The use of intravenous diazepam should be considered because it allows a double-blind experimental design
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 .