Cognitive functional therapy for persistent neck pain

AIMS: Persistent neck pain is a leading cause of years lived with disability. The aim of the current study is to describe and evaluate cognitive functional therapy for patients with persistent neck pain. METHODS: We recruited 74 patients (73% women) aged 22-76 years, with persistent neck pain. The outcomes were neck pain at activity and rest measured by 11-point numeric rating scales (NRS), disability by Neck Disability Index (NDI) (0-100), Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Hopkin Symptom Check List (HSCL-10) at baseline and post-treatment. The treatment program included 5 sessions and focused on cognitive strategies and exposure to physical activities. RESULTS: Sixty (81%) patients had follow-ups. Neck pain during activity was reduced by a mean of 3.3 (95% Confidence interval (CI) 2.6 to 3.2) and 2.5 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.1) at rest. NDI was reduced by 16.3 (95% CI 12.0-20.5). Similar large improvements were observed for FABQ and HSCL-10. Ninety-eight percent of the participants reported that they would recommend the program to other patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant improvements were observed in pain, disability, fear-avoidance beliefs, and emotional distress following CFT in patients with persistent neck pain.