Exercise training and patient education are widely used approaches for managing chronic neck pain. In recent years, researchers have focused on identifying the most effective and cost-efficient treatment strategies by evaluating which components of care deliver the greatest benefit. One recent randomized controlled trial examined whether combining exercise therapy with patient education produces better outcomes than education alone.
In the study, individuals who had experienced neck pain for at least six months were divided into two groups. One group received education only, while the other participated in both education and targeted exercise training. All participants attended four 1.5-hour pain education sessions over an eight-week period. These sessions addressed topics such as understanding and accepting pain, developing coping strategies, and setting realistic, functional goals for daily life.
The combination group also completed eight supervised 30-minute exercise sessions. These sessions focused on aerobic conditioning for the neck muscles, along with balance and stability exercises targeting the neck and shoulders. Participants were assessed for pain levels, balance, and neck flexibility before the study began and again at four and twelve months following treatment.
Results showed that participants who received both education and exercise experienced greater improvements than those who received education alone. They reported reduced pain, increased neck flexibility, and noticeable improvements in balance and posture, benefits that were sustained over time.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with neck pain, we’re here to help. Our experienced therapists use evidence-based approaches like those highlighted in this study to create personalized treatment plans designed to reduce pain, restore movement, and support long-term health and well-being.
Source:
Brage K, Ris I, Falla D, et al. Pain education combined with neck- and aerobic training is more effective at relieving chronic neck pain than pain education alone – A preliminary randomized controlled trial. Manual Therapy, 20(5): 686-693.
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