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Neck pain is like an unwelcome guest that just won't leave, and nearly everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. It can stem from various causes like poor posture, an injury, or a chronic condition, and the resulting pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that significantly interferes with one's quality of life.

Patients with neck pain have numerous treatments available to them, from the least invasive (e.g., doing nothing) to the most invasive (e.g., undergoing surgery). Traditionally, medications were frequently recommended for neck pain, but recent research has shown that an overreliance on medications–especially opioids–comes with certain risks and potential side effects that caution their use. Movement–based interventions like manual therapy, on the other hand, can provide relief with minimal risk for side effects.

What is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a conservative (non–surgical) intervention primarily used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain and disability. It involves hands–on techniques like joint mobilization and manipulation that are used to improve joint function, enhance muscle flexibility, and reduce pain.

Manual Therapy vs. Pain Medications

A recent study called a systematic review and meta–analysis examined the effectiveness and safety of manual therapy compared to oral pain medications for treating neck pain. Researchers analyzed data from 9 trials involving 779 participants with the goal of determining whether manual therapy or pain medications was safer and more effective for relieving neck pain. Key findings included the following:

• Pain Reduction: The study found that manual therapy was more effective than pain medications in reducing neck pain both in the short term and long term. Participants who underwent manual therapy reported significant pain relief compared to those who took medications.


• Safety: Manual therapy was associated with a lower risk of side effects compared to pain medications. Medications, especially opioids, were linked to serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, respiratory depression, and dependency. Manual therapy, on the other hand, had fewer reported side effects.


• Long–Term Benefits: Medications primarily offered short–term relief only, while manual therapy was found to provide lasting benefits. The pain relief from manual therapy extended beyond the immediate treatment period, helping participants maintain a better quality of life over time.

The Importance of Making an Informed Decision

If you're struggling with neck pain, it's essential to explore all treatment options that are available to you. While pain medications can provide temporary relief, they don't technically resolve the mechanical issue responsible for your pain and also come with certain risks that should be considered. Manual therapy offers a safer and potentially more effective solution since it involves evidence–based techniques that have been found to alleviate pain and improve wellbeing when combined with other physical therapy interventions.

Contact Us Today

If you're dealing with neck pain and are interested in physical therapy, please give us a call. Our team of expert physical therapists will be happy to answer any questions you might have about treatment and get you scheduled for your first appointment.

For additional details on the study featured in this article, click here.