Earticle

In this study, we reviewed the literature regarding the classification system for patients with neck pain and matched treatment based on this system to identify the categories of neck pain, criteria or tests for categorizing neck pain, and matched treatments for each category. Studies published from 2000 to 2014 that used pre-post control group designs to develop and apply classification systems to experimental group participants with neck pain were identified based on searches of the Scopus database. Four articles were included in this study. A total of seven categories emerged from these four studies. Each study categorized neck pain based on different criteria, such as the location and presumed source of symptoms, sign and symptoms, and treatment goals. The classification systems for neck pain and matched treatments for each of these categories were determined based on evidence from peer-reviewed literature, clinical experience, and expert opinion. Adopting a classification system for patients with neck pain would help practitioners to systematically apply individualized treatment, and provide data for researchers to design more effective interventions to decrease neck pain.