Osteopathic management of non-specific neck pain: Preliminary findings from a cross sectional study of Australian osteopaths

Objective

Neck pain is a highly prevalent condition that leads to considerable pain and disability. There is an economic cost to neck pain at both a personal and broader health system level. Neck pain may be classified as ‘non-specific’ neck pain (NSNP) when there is an absence of identifiable underlying disease or abnormal anatomical structure. Osteopaths play a role in the management of NSNP, but it is unclear how osteopaths specifically manage this condition. This study explores what osteopaths do for patients with NSNP.

Methods

Cross sectional design. Via an online survey.

Results

All participants in this study reported applying soft tissue techniques, using exercise prescription, discussing physical activity levels, physical fitness, stress management, pain education and posture and ergonomics for patients with NSNP. Less than half of the osteopaths in this study reported using PROMs in clinical practice for the management of non-specific neck pain and only a small number completed continuing professional development (CPD) related to the clinical management of NSNP.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates Australian osteopaths use a range of manual therapy techniques and education strategies in clinical practice for the management of NSNP in line with clinical practice guidelines.

Implications for clinical practice

• •

  All osteopaths in this study reported applying soft tissue techniques, using exercise prescription, discussing physical activity levels, physical fitness, stress management, pain education and posture and ergonomics for patients with NSNP.

• •

  Less than half of the osteopaths in this study reported using PROMs in clinical practice for the management of non-specific neck pain.

• •

  Only a small number of Australian osteopaths completed continuing professional development (CPD) related to the clinical management of NSNP.