The literature review shows that few of the therapies used by physiotherapists to relieve neck pain have effects that are scientifically documented. Most therapies have not been assessed by scientifically acceptable methods. However, the fact that a method is not scientifically assessed does not necessarily imply the method has no value, it simply means that its value is uncertain. Interaction between research and clinical practice is necessary to change physiotherapy from an opinion-based discipline to an evidence-based discipline. To achieve this goal, clinical studies that assess treatment outcomes and costs are fundamental.
The review supported the following: 1. that Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMT) can reduce pain and increase mobility in the cervical spine in chronic neck pain, and 2. that active and passive movement in the cervical spine at an early stage can reduce neck pain following whiplash injuries.
Somewhat less support was found for the following: 1. that OMT can reduce pain and increase mobility in the cervical spine in acute neck pain, 2. that traction can reduce pain and increase mobility in the cervical spine in chronic neck pain, 3. that physical exercise including strength training in the neck and shoulder muscles can reduce pain in chronic neck pain, and 4. that acupuncture can give short-term reduction in pain from chronic neck pain.