A randomized controlled trial of the effect of treatment of disbling neck pain

Title

Stockholm Neck trial (STONE) – A randomized controlled trial of the effect of treatment of disbling neck pain

Background

Around 25% of women and 11% of men have neck pain, many with difficulties to perform activities and work because of neck pain. There is lack of knowledge regarding effective treatment, as well as the course of the condition and cost related aspects. Massage and exercise are treatment modalities that are often recommended but high quality evidence supporting their use is lacking.

Aim

To evaluate the effect, adverse reactions and cost-effectiveness of massage, exercise, and massage plus exercise in comparison with advice to stay active, for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. Additionally, to describe the course of neck pain over one year, and to identify factors of importance for the prognosis.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial of 619 participants, aged 18-70, with non-specific neck pain that lasted at least 30 days, followed longitudunally over one year. The interventions were massage, exercise, massage plus exercise or advice. The data collection started in 2014 and was completed in 2016. The project is in collaboration with the Center for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation at Ontario Tech University in Toronto, Canada.

Significance

The project is expected to contribute to the scientific evidence for how to treat disabling neck pain, and about what other factors that is of importance for the prognosis.

Research Principle

Karolinska Institutet

Funding

The Swedish research council, the Swedish research council for work, health and welfare, Karolinska Institutet, the Swedish Naprapathic Association and Sophiahemmet Foundation.

Contact

Professor Eva Skillgate – Primary Investigator and Research group leader for Musculoskeletal & Sports Injury Epidemiology Center
eva.skillgate@shh.se