TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PAIN IN PERSONS WITH CERVICAL SYNDROME: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Cervical syndrome, characterized by chronic neck pain and functional impairments affects quality of life. This review aimed to assess the determinants of quality of life and the effects of physical treatments in managing chronic neck pain. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and Elsevier databases, selecting studies published between 2010 and 2023 based on the PICOS criteria. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated with Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Twenty-nine studies analyzing interventions such as stabilization exercises, McKenzie techniques, Pilates and Feldenkrais methods were reviewed in this study. The results indicated that physical treatments reduced pain intensity and improved quality of life, with combined physical and psychological therapies seeking superior outcomes. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed in pain reduction (I² = 65%) and quality-of-life improvement (I² = 72%), and methodological limitations were noted, especially regarding blinding and comparability. This review focus on the effects of physical treatments for chronic neck pain while accenting the need for standardized protocols and integrated therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes.