Physiotherapy for Chronic Neck Pain: Evaluation of a biopsychosocial approach

Abstract

Neck pain is a common complaint that causes substantial morbidity in western countries. Reported prevalence in the general population ranges from 9.5% to 22%, and the 12-month (point) prevalence estimates ranges from 30% to 50%. It is suggested that two thirds of individuals may at least once in their lifetime experience neck pain; it is more often reported by women than men. Patients with neck complaints generally also complain of neck stiffness and reduced mobility. Between 5% and 20% of neck pain patients will have a signifi cant disabling problem. In the Netherlands, neck pain is one of the three most-reported musculoskeletal pains with estimated total related costs in 1996 of US $686.2 million (€526.24 million), representing about 1% of the total Dutch health care expenditure.