Preliminary Neck Classification Study

The purpose of this study was to assess if pain and function in patients with neck pain is less when physical therapists use a classification system.

The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess pain and function scores in patients with neck pain, with therapists specifically trained to implement a treatment based classification and matched interventions system. This study consisted of two phases to determine whether implementing a classification changed patient outcomes. In phase one, baseline data was obtained while physical therapists continued with their current neck pain evaluation and intervention approaches. The second phase involved educating the therapists in the neck classification system with the matched interventions. Pain and function outcomes were analyzed for 2 phases. The overall goal was to prospectively determine if the implementation of this classification system with matched interventions could enhance patient outcomes.

Physical Therapy intervention provided by therapists in phase one without training in following a neck classification system and in phase two after being trained to follow a neck pain classification system.

Physical therapists treated patients in phase one as they usually do and in phase two were trained to follow a neck classification and matched intervention system.

NPR was measured on initial evaluation and at the time the patient was discharged from care which varied for each patient (ranged from 3 to 107 days).

NDI was measured on initial evaluation and at the time the patient was discharged from care which varied for each patient (ranged from 3 to 107 days).

Number of days of care, measured from initial evaluation to time of discharge from care; up to 107 days.

Inclusion Criteria: Licensed physical therapists Treat patients with neck pain on a regular basis Exclusion Criteria: Do not utilize interventions included in the study