It is very common for those with neck problems to be recommended massage and physical exercise for their symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, however, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of massage and exercise for neck pain. High-quality scientific studies have been conducted to an insufficient extent.
The Stockholm Neck Trial (the STONE study) is a randomized controlled trial that will include 600 people, aged 16–70, with subacute or long-term neck problems. Study participants are randomized into one of four treatment options: massage, physical exercise, massage and physical exercise, or counseling. This design allows for an evaluation of each treatment individually, as well as a combined treatment strategy. Participants are followed for one year, and the primary outcomes are pain and function, measured via questionnaires. In addition, participants are followed up weekly via SMS, where pain-related disability is rated on a numerical rating scale. This gives the project an extra dimension, as important and sought-after information about the progression of neck pain in affected individuals can be studied.
Enrollment of study participants in STONE began in the autumn of 2014, and the project is expected to run until the autumn of 2017. Approximately 340 of the planned 600 study participants have been enrolled. STONE is being conducted in collaboration between the Musculoskeletal & Sports Injury Epidemiology Center at Karolinska Institutet, the Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, Canada. STONE is expected to provide a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge about the progression and treatment of a major public health problem within a strong research environment.
The Swedish Research Council and FORTE
Eva Skillgate, licensed naprapath, associate professor and member of the Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine's scientific council (project manager)
Peter Viklund, licensed naprapath, lecturer
Kari Paanalahti, licensed naprapath, lecturer, PhD
Skillgate E, Bill AS, Côté P, Viklund P, Peterson A, Holm LW. The effect of massage therapy and/or exercise therapy on subacute or long lasting neck pain – a study protocol for the Stockholm Neck trial (STONE) – a Randomized Controlled Trial. Submitted 2015 to Trials.
