Neck and Shoulder Pain Management
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Try for freeThis post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Neck and shoulder pain is a prevalent issue, particularly among individuals engaged in prolonged computer use or office work. This article explores various management strategies for neck and shoulder pain, including biofeedback, exercise, passive treatments, and innovative therapies such as low-level laser acupuncture and pulsed radiofrequency.
Biofeedback vs. Active Exercise and Passive Treatment
A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of biofeedback, active exercise, and passive treatment on work-related neck and shoulder pain. Participants were divided into four groups: biofeedback, exercise, passive treatment, and a control group. The biofeedback group showed significant reductions in pain and neck disability index (NDI) scores, which were maintained at six months. This group also exhibited reduced muscle activity in the cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscles1.
Pulsed Radiofrequency vs. Dry Needling
A study compared ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and dry needling (DN) for managing chronic neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Both treatments were effective, but the study aimed to determine which method provided superior outcomes in terms of pain reduction, pressure pain threshold, and overall quality of life. Follow-ups were conducted at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment2.
Educational and Physical Programs
A cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a workplace educational and physical program in reducing headache and neck/shoulder pain among municipal workers. The intervention group showed a higher responder rate and a larger reduction in the number of days per month with headache and neck/shoulder pain compared to the control group3.
Low-Level Laser Acupuncture Therapy
A pilot study investigated the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of a two-week low-level laser acupuncture (LLLA) therapy for office workers with shoulder and neck pain. The intervention group received LLLA sessions, while the control group received usual care without painkillers. The study aimed to provide evidence for the feasibility and effectiveness of LLLA in managing shoulder and neck pain4.
Specific Resistance Training and All-Round Physical Exercise
A one-year randomized controlled trial compared specific resistance training (SRT), all-round physical exercise (APE), and general health counseling (REF) for managing neck and shoulder pain in office workers. Both SRT and APE groups showed increased shoulder elevation strength and significant reductions in neck pain, while the REF group did not exhibit such improvements5.
Ergonomics and Motor Control Integration
A study investigated the impact of integrating motor control re-education with ergonomic advice compared to conventional treatment for work-related neck and shoulder pain. The integrated approach aimed to provide both short-term and long-term benefits in pain management and functional recovery6.
Intensive Dynamic Training
A clinical trial compared the effectiveness of an intensive three-month training program with a less intensive program for females with chronic neck/shoulder pain. Both programs resulted in significant improvements in pain and activities of daily living (ADL) scores, with the intensive program showing sustained pain reduction at 12 months follow-up7.
Frequency and Duration of Strength Training
A study explored the optimal combination of exercise frequency and duration for reducing neck and shoulder pain in office workers. Participants were divided into groups based on different training frequencies and durations. All training groups showed significant pain reduction, with some flexibility in time-wise distribution for effective pain management8.
Active vs. Passive Treatment
A randomized controlled trial compared thoracic manipulations with physiotherapeutic exercises for treating neck pain in occupational health care. Both treatments were effective, but thoracic manipulations showed more favorable outcomes in reducing intense pain phases9.
Biomechanical Correction and Therapeutic Exercises
A study compared the effectiveness of biomechanical correction combined with therapeutic exercises, dry needling (DN), and trigger point pressure release (TrPs) versus therapeutic exercises combined with DN and TrPs for managing chronic neck-shoulder myofascial pain. The inclusion of biomechanical correction demonstrated higher efficiency in the medium term10.
Conclusion
Various management strategies for neck and shoulder pain, including biofeedback, exercise, passive treatments, and innovative therapies, have shown effectiveness in reducing pain and improving quality of life. Further research is needed to optimize these treatments and tailor them to individual patient needs.
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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