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 .
Working Disability Due to Occupational Back Pain: Three-year Follow-up of 2,300 Compensated Workers in Quebec
A cohort of3,342 cases constituting a r and om sample of all occupational back injuries compensated in Quebec ( Canada ) during 1981 was observed prospect ively for 3 years to study associations between cumulative duration of absence from work  and sex , age , site of symptoms ( cervical , thoracic , and lumbar ) , and occupation . Of the cohort members , 287 ( 9.7 % ) cumulated 6 months of absence or more . A logistic regression model showed age and site of symptoms to be the two most important risk factors associated with absences of 6 months or more . No association was found with sex or occupation . The results showed discrepancies between measures of frequency distribution of back injuries and duration of absence from work , an important finding in terms of identifying health priorities
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 .