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Non-specific neck pain: diagnosis and treatment - KCE

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30 <strong>Non</strong>-Specific Neck Pain: <strong>diagnosis</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>treatment</strong> <strong>KCE</strong> Reports 119<br />

5 SUMMARY<br />

History taking<br />

Excluding red flags<br />

Diagnostic imaging<br />

The results displayed in chapter 3 were translated into statements. These statements<br />

were scored in accordance with the GRADE-system 21, 72 , by four Belgian experts: two<br />

in the field of physiotherapy, one anaesthesiologist <strong>and</strong> one general practitioner. In<br />

consensus with the research team the statements were graded “strong” or “weak” <strong>and</strong><br />

also “in favour” or “against” the proposed intervention.<br />

When the desirable effects of an intervention clearly outweighed (or clearly did not<br />

outweigh) the undesirable effects, the guideline panel offered strong recommendations<br />

according to the GRADE-system 21, 72 . On the other h<strong>and</strong>, when the proposed methods<br />

were less certain - either because of low quality evidence or because evidence<br />

suggested that desirable <strong>and</strong> undesirable effects were closely balanced - weak<br />

recommendations were offered according the GRADE-system 21, 72 . Clinicians should<br />

keep in mind that in that case, they should carefully consider the benefits, risks, <strong>and</strong><br />

burdens in the context of the individual patient. How to individualize decision making in<br />

weak recommendations remains a challenge 72 .<br />

Table 3: Summary: diagnostic procedures, prognosis <strong>and</strong> <strong>treatment</strong><br />

modalities in non-<strong>specific</strong> <strong>neck</strong> <strong>pain</strong> (NSNP)<br />

Level of evidence<br />

“Strong” or “weak”<br />

A, B, C; best available or<br />

Proposed intervention(s)<br />

<strong>and</strong> “in favour” or<br />

no evidence from the<br />

“against”<br />

literature<br />

The “Neck Disability Index” as instrument for selfrated<br />

disability<br />

Confirm radiculopathy: Spurling’s test –<br />

traction/<strong>neck</strong> distraction – Shoulder abduction –<br />

Valsalva’s manoeuvre<br />

Rule out radiculopathy: Negative Upper Limb<br />

Tension test<br />

Diagnose facet joint spinal <strong>pain</strong>: Local anesthetic<br />

block when no clinical <strong>diagnosis</strong><br />

Unfavourable prognostic elements: severity of <strong>pain</strong>;<br />

previous attacks; old age or concomitant low back<br />

<strong>pain</strong><br />

Pathologic radiological findings (e.g. degenerative<br />

changes) are associated with worse prognosis<br />

Diagnosis <strong>and</strong> prognosis<br />

No evidence from the<br />

literature<br />

Best available evidence from<br />

the literature<br />

No evidence from the<br />

literature<br />

Level of evidence not<br />

applicable<br />

Valid instrument<br />

Strong - In favour<br />

Strong - In favour<br />

Weak - Against<br />

Strong - In favour<br />

C Weak - in favour<br />

C Weak-In favour<br />

C Weak - In favour<br />

C Weak - In favour<br />

C Weak - Against

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