Manipulation and Mobilization for
Treating Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for an
Appropriateness Panel
Authors: Coulter Ian D. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Mobilization and manipulation therapies are widely used by patients with chronic
nonspecific neck pain; however, questions remain around efficacy, dosing, and safety, as well as
how these approaches compare to other therapies.
Objectives: Based on published trials, to determine the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of
various mobilization and manipulation therapies for treatment of chronic nonspecific neck pain.
Study Design: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.
Methods: We identified studies published between January 2000 and September 2017, by searching
multiple electronic databases, examining reference lists, and communicating with experts. We
selected randomized controlled trials comparing manipulation and/or mobilization therapies to sham,
no treatment, each other, and other active therapies, or when combined as multimodal therapeutic
approaches. We assessed risk of bias by using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria.
When possible, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis. Grading of Recommendations,
Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to determine the confidence in effect
estimates. This project was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative
Health under award number U19AT007912 and ultimately used to inform an appropriateness panel.
Results: A total of 47 randomized trials (47 unique trials in 53 publications) were included in
the systematic review. These studies were rated as having low risk of bias and included a total
of 4,460 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain who were being treated by a practitioner
using various types of manipulation and/or mobilization interventions. A total of 37 trials were
categorized as unimodal approaches and involved thrust or nonthrust compared with sham, no
treatment, or other active comparators. Of these, only 6 trials with similar intervention styles,
comparators, and outcome measures/timepoints were pooled for meta-analysis at 1, 3, and 6
months, showing a small effect in favor of thrust plus exercise compared to an exercise regimen
alone for a reduction in pain and disability. Multimodal approaches appeared to be effective at
reducing pain and improving function from the 10 studies evaluated. Health-related quality of life
was seldom reported. Some 22/47 studies did not report or mention adverse events. Of the 25 that
did, either no or minor events occurred.
Limitations: The current evidence is heterogeneous, and sample sizes are generally small.
Conclusions: Studies published since January 2000 provide low-moderate quality evidence that
various types of manipulation and/or mobilization will reduce pain and improve function for chronic
nonspecific neck pain compared to other interventions. It appears that multimodal approaches, in
which multiple treatment approaches are integrated, might have the greatest potential impact.
The studies comparing to no treatment or sham were mostly testing the effect of a single dose,
which may or may not be helpful to inform practice. According to the published trials reviewed,
manipulation and mobilization appear safe. However, given the low rate of serious adverse events,
other types of studies with much larger sample sizes would be required to fully describe the safety
of manipulation and/or mobilization for nonspecific chronic neck pain.
Key words: Chronic neck pain, nonspecific, chiropractic, manipulation, mobilization, systematic
review, meta-analysis, appropriateness