《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2022, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (2): 150-164.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2022.02.004

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Effect of spinal manipulation therapy on chronic nonspecific neck pain: a meta-analysis

ZHENG Wei1,SUN Libing1,HAO Chuanping2(),HUANG Wenqi1,YOU Jing1,GUO Yanhua1   

  1. 1. Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin 301617, China
    2. Special Education College, Beijing Union University, Beijing 100075, China
  • Received:2022-02-07 Revised:2022-02-14 Published:2022-02-25 Online:2022-03-09
  • Contact: HAO Chuanping E-mail:tjtchuanping@buu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Natural Science Fund of Tianjin(18JCQNJC83000);Scientific Research Project of Tianjin Education Commission(2020KJ101)

Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the effects of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) on chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) by using World Health Organization Family International Classifications (WHO-FICs). Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effects of SMT on CNSNP were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EBSCO, CBM and CNKI from database establishment to December 31st, 2021. At least two researchers extracted the data. Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale were used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. Revman 5.4 software and Stata 16.0 software were used for meta-analyses and publication bias analysis respectively. Results A total of 15 RCTs that represented 1 067 participants were evaluated. In terms of body functions, compared with the control group, SMT significantly reduced Visual Analog Score for pain (MD = -0.85, 95%CI -1.06 to -0.63, P < 0.00001) and Numerical Rating Scale (MD = -0.92, 95%CI -1.29 to -0.55, P < 0.001), increased pressure pain thresholds (SMD = 0.67, 95%CI 0.47 to 0.86, P < 0.001), cervical range of motion (ROM) of flexion/extension (SMD = 0.51, 95%CI 0.33 to 0.68, P < 0.001) and rotation (SMD = 0.20, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.38, P = 0.04), improved root mean square of cervical muscles electromygraphy (MD = 2.17, 95%CI 0.06 to 4.29, P = 0.04), but not significantly in cervical ROM of lateral flexion (SMD = 0.19, 95%CI -0.00 to 0.38, P = 0.06), cervical strength (SMD = -0.18, 95%CI -0.84 to 0.49, P = 0.60) and endurance (SMD = 0.18, 95%CI -0.39 to 0.75, P = 0.53). In term of activities and participation, SMT significantly improved cervical disability (MD = -0.96, 95%CI -1.55 to -0.38, P = 0.001), but not significantly in health status of patients with CNSNP (SMD = 0.08, 95%CI -0.03 to 0.20, P = 0.15). Conclusion SMT could improve pain intensity, pain sensitivity, cervical ROM and disability in patients with CNSNP, but its efficacy on muscle function, proprioception and health status is unclear.

Key words: nonspecific chronic neck pain, spinal manipulation therapy, World Health Organization Family International Classifications, meta-analysis

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