Passive physical treatment for chronic nonspecific neck pain

Low-level laser therapy, intermittent traction and acupuncture may provide short-term pain relief for chronic nonspecific neck pain. There is only limited evidence of short-term benefits for manual therapies (eg spinal manipulation or mobilisation) in chronic nonspecific neck pain, and ongoing manual therapy is not recommended. These passive physical treatments should only be considered as part of a comprehensive management approach—see Management approach for chronic nonspecific neck pain for more detail.

Ultrasound, infrared light and continuous traction are ineffective for chronic nonspecific neck pain.

Wearing a soft collar during the day is not useful for chronic nonspecific neck pain. Using more than one pillow, unless for the management of other medical conditions, is generally not recommended. Patients who experience neck pain or stiffness on waking may benefit from having a supporting pillow, or a small towel rolled inside a pillowcase, placed under their neck, or from wearing a soft collar or a thick scarf to bed. None of these strategies have been evaluated in clinical trialsChristensen, 2021Muzin, 2008.