Search Results (183)

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain represents a major global health burden and significantly impacts quality of life and functional capacity. Physiotherapy plays a central role in its management, yet the rapid growth of research in this field makes it difficult to identify current trends and emerging directions. The aim of this study was to analyze global research trends in chronic pain physiotherapy using a bibliometric approach. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A predefined search strategy was applied to identify relevant publications. Data were analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer. Co-occurrence analysis of terms based on titles and abstracts was performed using full counting. The most relevant terms were selected using a relevance score threshold, and a thesaurus file was applied to improve data quality. Results: The number of publications increased steadily from 2015 to 2025, indicating growing research interest in chronic pain physiotherapy. Network analysis revealed key research clusters related to clinical interventions, functional assessment, and outcome evaluation. The most prominent and central terms included “pelvic pain”, “neck disability index”, and “radicular pain”. Overlay visualization identified emerging topics such as “stratified care”, “multidisciplinary rehabilitation”, and “psychometric property”, reflecting a shift toward personalized and patient-centered approaches. Conclusions: Research in chronic pain physiotherapy is rapidly expanding, with a clear transition from traditional intervention-focused approaches toward individualized, multidisciplinary, and outcome-driven strategies. These findings provide insight into current research directions and may support clinicians and researchers in identifying future priorities in chronic pain management. Full article

Background and Objectives: Chronic nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is among the most common musculoskeletal disorders. Global postural re-education (GPR) might be effective in decreasing neck pain (NP) and dysfunction and improving forward head posture (FHP) by recovering muscle chains and reducing postural alteration. Deep neck flexor activation (DNF) might also decrease NP and improve FHP by improving DNF endurance. This study aimed to compare the effects of GPR versus DNF activation on pain, dysfunction, FHP, and DNF endurance. Materials and Methods: Forty-six physiotherapy students with chronic NSNP participated in this non-randomized comparative study and were allocated into two equal groups based on their availability and preference regarding session duration. Group A underwent GPR exercises combined with active neck exercises, whereas group B received DNF activation in addition to active neck exercises. All participants were assessed pre- and post-intervention for pain intensity using a visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability using the Arabic version of the neck disability index (NDI), FHP via a photometric method with Kinovea software, and DNF endurance using pressure biofeedback. Results: A significant effect of both treatments was reported on reducing pain intensity, improving the FHP and enhancing the neck functional status with no substantial differences between both groups. A significant improvement in DNF endurance was observed in both groups, with substantially higher values between groups in favor of the DNF group. Conclusions: Both GPR and DNF activation exercises were associated with reductions in pain and improvements in neck disability among physiotherapy students with chronic NSNP and FHP. Also, both CVA and DNF endurance improved, with more improvement observed in DNF endurance in the DNF group compared with the GPR group. Full article

Background: Three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is widely used for multilevel cervical degenerative disc disease; however, the relationship between postoperative alignment trajectories, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and late patient-reported outcomes remains incompletely defined. This study evaluated plane-specific radiological alignment changes, MRI-based ASD, and late functional outcomes in a homogeneous three-level ACDF cohort. Methods: This single-center observational cohort included 29 patients who underwent three-level ACDF between January 2018 and December 2023 and had complete radiographic follow-up. Radiological data were collected retrospectively from institutional records and imaging archives. Cervical sagittal and coronal alignment were assessed using Cobb angles on radiographs obtained preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. ASD was evaluated at the superior adjacent segment on 2-year MRI. Late patient-reported clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 42.6 ± 6.8 months using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Results: Sagittal Cobb angle changed significantly over time (χ²(3) = 12.60, p = 0.006; Kendall’s W = 0.145), whereas coronal Cobb angle showed a statistically significant reduction over time, although the absolute magnitude of change was small (χ²(3) = 28.74, p < 0.001; Kendall’s W = 0.330). Lower sagittal Cobb angle correlated with worse NDI (r = −0.46, p = 0.004), and greater coronal Cobb angle correlated with worse physical activity scores (r = 0.52, p = 0.006). Higher Pfirrmann grade correlated with worse NDI (r = 0.49, p = 0.004) and pain scores (r = 0.44, p = 0.021). In exploratory regression analysis, sagittal Cobb angle and Pfirrmann grade were retained in the model for NDI, but these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Conclusions: After three-level ACDF, sagittal and coronal alignment followed different postoperative trajectories. Lower sagittal alignment and greater adjacent disc degeneration were associated with worse late neck-related disability. However, given the modest sample size and exploratory nature of the regression analysis, these findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm whether sagittal alignment and MRI-based adjacent segment degeneration independently contribute to late functional outcomes. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between microscopic and unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). Methods: This study included 73 patients who underwent microscopic PCF (n = 40) or UBE PCF (n = 33) for single-level cervical foraminal disc herniation or stenosis between January 2018 and December 2021. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiologic outcomes were evaluated with cervical range of motion (ROM) using computed tomography and flexion-extension dynamic radiography. Results: The mean follow-up period for microscopic and UBE PCF was 33.0 ± 7.6 months and 29.9 ± 5.9 months, respectively. The postoperative neck VAS until postoperative 2 weeks was significantly lower in the UBE PCF group than in the microscopic PCF group (p < 0.05). The estimated blood loss and operative time were significantly lower in the UBE PCF group than in the microscopic PCF group, while the length of hospital stay was numerically shorter but did not reach statistical significance. The two groups had no significant difference in the NDI on the preoperative and postoperative 3 months. The recurrence occurred in 1 patient (2.5%) of the microscopic PCF group and 1 patient (3%) of the UBE PCF group. The revision surgery was performed in 2 patients (5%) of the microscopic PCF group and in 1 patient of the UBE PCF group. There were no significant differences in motion and instability between the two groups. Conclusions: Both microscopic and UBE PCF are effective and safe procedures for treating cervical radiculopathy due to cervical foraminal disc herniation or stenosis. The UBE approach may provide advantages mainly in early postoperative recovery, including lower early postoperative neck pain, while long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes appear comparable to those of microscopic PCF. Full article

Background: Cervical osteochondromas invading the vertebral canal are rare but may cause spinal cord compression requiring surgical resection. Conventional open laminectomy may disrupt posterior stabilizing structures and potentially increase the risk of postoperative cervical deformity. This technical note describes a contralateral-structure-preserving endoscopic technique for cervical osteochondroma resection. Methods: A 25-year-old man with multiple hereditary exostosis presented with neck pain, mild numbness, and a positive Lhermitte’s sign. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 9 × 6 × 10 mm osteochondroma originating from the base of the C3 spinous process and extending into the vertebral canal with spinal cord compression and cord signal change. Preoperative clinical assessment included a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck pain of 6/10, a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score of 16/18, a Neck Disability Index (NDI) of 30%, and Nurick grade 1. The lesion was treated using unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery through a partial unilateral laminectomy and sublaminar endoscopic corridor, aiming for en bloc resection while preserving the contralateral lamina, posterior ligamentous complex, and posterior tension band. Continuous intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (SSEP and MEP) was used throughout the procedure. Results: The osteochondroma was completely resected en bloc using a diamond burr and Kerrison rongeur. Histopathological examination confirmed osteochondroma, and negative margins were identified without residual tumor. The patient’s symptoms resolved completely without postoperative complications, and he was discharged on postoperative day 3. At the 18-month clinical and radiological follow-up, the patient remained symptom-free, with VAS improved to 1–2/10, mJOA improved to 18/18, NDI improved to 4%, and Nurick grade improved to 0, with partial regression of the cord signal change and no evidence of tumor recurrence on follow-up imaging. Cervical lordosis was maintained at the immediate postoperative timepoint. Conclusions: Contralateral-structure-preserving endoscopic resection may represent a potential minimally invasive alternative to conventional wide laminectomy or fusion-based approaches in carefully selected cases of benign cervical osteochondroma. Larger comparative studies with long-term follow-up are required to confirm the potential biomechanical and clinical benefits of this approach. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combined treatment consisting of O₂O₃ injections and McKenzie-based physiotherapy exercises, compared to a Control group treated with O₂O₃ injections and a Back School physiotherapy program, in reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: In this prospective double-arm pilot study, patients with chronic non-specific neck pain and a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) > 4 were enrolled. All patients received eight weekly sessions of O₂O₃ injections (10 μg/mL, 10 mL total, and 2 mL bilaterally into the cervical paravertebral muscles). Patients were then randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to either an experimental group receiving McKenzie physiotherapy or a Control group undergoing Back School techniques, with five sessions per week over two weeks. Outcome measures included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), NRS, EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ5D3L), and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS). Results: A total of 41 patients were included and divided into two groups: Back School (n = 21; mean age: 63.9 ± 13.4 years) and McKenzie (n = 20; mean age: of 57.3 ± 12.9 years). Both groups showed significant improvement in NDI, NRS, EQ5D3L, and EQ-VAS following the O₂O₃ injection cycle (∆T0–T1 p < 0.001). The subsequent addition of physical therapy led to further improvements across all outcomes in both groups (∆T1–T2 p < 0.001), with the McKenzie group showing slightly greater benefits, despite the lack of significant differences. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the effects of combining O₂O₃ injections with either McKenzie or Back School therapy in improving pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dysfunctional breathing interacts with common impairments in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. This study aimed to assess the effect of combining manual therapy with breathing re-education. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and intention-to-treat analysis, including ninety patients with non-specific chronic neck pain, was employed. Participants were allocated to undertake 10 sessions of either cervical spine and diaphragmatic MT (specifically, Mulligan concept techniques and diaphragmatic doming/release) combined with breathing re-education (experimental group 1, EG1) or cervical spine MT alongside sham diaphragmatic MT (experimental group 2, EG2) or conventional physiotherapy (control group—CG). Interventions lasted 1 month. Primary outcomes were the pain intensity assessed on a 0-to-10 numeric rating scale and the Neck Disability Index percentage. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 4 months post randomization. Results: Pain intensity improved more in the EG1 compared to the CG (mean difference −2.15, 95% CI −2.50 to −1.79) and to a lesser extent relative to the EG2 (mean difference −0.42, 95% CI −0.78 to −0.07) at 1 month. Neck disability equally improved in the EG1 (mean difference −14.72, 95% CI −17.55 to −11.89) and the EG2 (mean difference −13.06, 95% CI −15.93 to −10.19) compared to the CG at 1 month. All significant differences for pain and disability noted at one month remained significant at 4 months. EG1 significantly improved in all respiratory-related secondary outcomes compared to EG2 and the CG, both at 1 and 4 months. Conclusions: Combining diaphragm manual therapy with breathing re-education led to superior improvements in pain and dysfunctional breathing-related outcomes. Trial Registration: NCT05229393. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gymnastic exercises exert positive effects on chronic neck pain. Growing evidence suggests that combining cervical spine exercises with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) relax pads may enhance outcomes on pain, discomfort, and functional limitations. To evaluate the additive effect of silicone TMJ relax pads worn in the molar region during cervical spine exercises on reducing neck pain and selected mobility outcomes. Methods: In this study, 52 sedentary middle-aged adults working on video display unit (VDU) workstations were randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups performed a specific cervical spine exercise program (3 × 3 min/day) for three months. One group used bilateral TMJ relax pads during exercise (EX-RP) while the control group applied the identical exercises without pads (EX). Neck pain intensity was assessed using a one-week pain protocol prior to and after a 12-week intervention. Functional assessments included cervical/thoracic and shoulder mobility tests, and thoracic kyphosis angle measurement. An intention-to-treat analysis with multiple imputations was performed. Results: Data from 47 participants (EX-RP: n = 25; EX: n = 22) were analyzed. Neck pain decreased in both groups, with a significantly greater reduction in the EX-RP compared to the EX group (p = 0.046). Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores improved in both groups (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.514). EX-RP showed greater improvements in cervical extension (p = 0.044) and trunk rotation (p = 0.019); however, the results for other mobility outcomes were inconsistent. Conclusions: Adding TMJ relax pads to cervical exercises (alone) favorably affects the pain intensity and might enhance mobility outcomes in individuals with chronic neck pain. TMJ relax pads appear to be a feasible and low-threshold adjunct to exercise-based interventions. Full article

Background: Chronic neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition associated with functional limitations and reduced quality of life, representing a significant public health concern. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is one of the most widely used patient-reported outcome measures for assessing neck-related disability. Although validated in multiple languages, a comprehensive psychometric evaluation of an Albanian version in a large clinical sample has been lacking. Methods: A methodological cross-sectional study was conducted to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Albanian version of the NDI. The translation process followed standardized forward–backward cross-cultural adaptation procedures with authorization from the MAPI Research Trust. A total of 377 individuals with chronic cervical pain completed the questionnaire. Structural validity was assessed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, and test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Measurement error was estimated using the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) at both item and total score levels. Results: Sampling adequacy was excellent (KMO = 0.948; Bartlett’s test p < 0.001). Structural validity supported a predominantly unidimensional structure, with a dominant component explaining 64.17% of the total variance. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s α = 0.99). Test–retest reliability was outstanding, with item-level ICC values ranging from 0.980 to 0.992 and a total score ICC of 0.989. Measurement error for the total score was low (SEM = 0.94; MDC95 = 2.60), indicating that changes greater than 2.60 points reflect real change beyond measurement error. Item-level MDC95 ranged from 0.36 to 0.67. Conclusions: The Albanian version of the NDI demonstrates strong structural validity, excellent internal consistency, high test–retest reliability, and low measurement error in individuals with chronic cervical pain. These findings are most applicable to relatively young, convenience-based Albanian-speaking populations, reflecting the characteristics of the study sample. Full article

Background/Objectives: Posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy is an established motion-preserving procedure for selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. However, isolated foraminal decompression may be insufficient in cases with concomitant foraminal stenosis and lateral soft disk herniation. This preliminary study evaluated clinical outcomes and quantitative MRI changes after combined posterior endoscopic cervical diskectomy and foraminotomy (CEDF) and explored the relationship between postoperative foraminal enlargement and clinical improvement. Methods: This retrospective single-center exploratory cohort study included 15 consecutive patients with single-level unilateral cervical radiculopathy caused by combined foraminal stenosis and lateral soft disc herniation who were treated between 2021 and 2023. All patients underwent CEDF using a posterior full-endoscopic approach. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and at 12 months using the Visual Analog Scale for arm and neck pain, the Neck Disability Index, and modified MacNab criteria. Quantitative MRI assessment included minimal foraminal diameter, Foraminal Symmetry Index (FSI), and Quantitative Cervical Expansion (QCE). Correlations between radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed as exploratory, hypothesis-generating analyses. Results: Mean minimal foraminal diameter increased from 1.9 ± 0.7 mm preoperatively to 4.1 ± 0.8 mm postoperatively, with improvement in FSI from 0.40 ± 0.12 to 0.89 ± 0.11. Significant clinical improvement was observed across all outcome measures. Mean arm pain decreased from 7.2 ± 1.3 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.4 at final follow-up, while NDI improved from 48.0 ± 14.0% to 18.3 ± 12.0%. The minimum clinically important difference for arm pain reduction was achieved in 14 of 15 patients. A moderate positive exploratory association was observed between foraminal enlargement and reduction in arm pain severity. No major neurological complications, postoperative instability, or revision procedures were observed in this small cohort during the available follow-up. Conclusions: In this preliminary retrospective single-center cohort, CEDF was associated with clinical improvement and measurable postoperative foraminal enlargement in carefully selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy caused by combined foraminal stenosis and lateral soft disc herniation. The observed association between foraminal enlargement and arm pain reduction should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size and exploratory design. QCE and FSI should be regarded as preliminary quantitative radiological indices rather than validated markers of decompression adequacy or clinical response. Larger prospective comparative studies are required to validate these findings and define the role of CEDF among established cervical decompression procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate preliminary clinical outcomes, functional changes, and procedural safety associated with fluoroscopy- and ultrasound-guided intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the atlanto-occipital joint in patients with chronic post-traumatic cervical pain. Methods: This retrospective preliminary case series included eight patients with chronic neck and/or head pain persisting for at least 6 months following whiplash injury or cervical hyperextension trauma. All patients underwent dual-guided intra-articular PRF of the atlanto-occipital joint. Pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale, NRS), functional outcomes (Neck Disability Index, NDI; Patient-Specific Functional Scale, PSFS), and medication use were assessed at baseline and at 2, 3, and 6 months following the procedure. Results: Mean baseline NRS was 8.0 ± 0.76 and decreased to 2.38 ± 1.06 at 2 months, 3.38 ± 0.74 at 3 months, and 3.75 ± 1.16 at 6 months. A ≥ 50% reduction in pain intensity was observed in 87.5% of patients at 2 and 3 months and in 75.0% at 6 months. Functional outcome measures also showed improvement, with mean NDI scores decreasing from 60% at baseline to 25% at 2 months, with partial maintenance of improvement during follow-up. Mean PSFS scores increased from 3 at baseline to 7 at 2 months. Reduced use of analgesic and adjuvant medications was observed during follow-up. No serious procedure-related complications were identified. Conclusions: In this small retrospective case series, intra-articular PRF of the atlanto-occipital joint was associated with reductions in pain intensity, improvement in patient-reported functional outcomes, and reduced medication use in patients with chronic post-traumatic cervical pain. The procedure appeared technically feasible and well-tolerated. However, given the limited sample size and uncontrolled retrospective design, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and considered preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory. Prospective controlled studies are required to further evaluate potential efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low back and neck pain are common musculoskeletal complaints among healthcare workers, including anesthesia providers. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of back and neck pain amongst anesthesiology providers to identify risk factors, mechanisms of injury, and recovery practices to guide preventative measures. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of anesthesiology clinicians in a multi-site academic healthcare system in New York City was administered using REDCap version 12.5.9. The recorded survey results were aggregated to determine percentages for each question. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the nature of low back and neck pain and detail causes. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were calculated. Results: The survey instrument was distributed to 380 anesthesiology clinicians at four separate institutions and yielded 191 responses for a response rate of 50.3%. Fifty-three-point-nine percent of survey respondents reported having current back or neck pain, with the majority reporting that it was chronic (87.4%). A substantial proportion of respondents reported not having back or neck pain prior to training (58.3%), and the majority reported that their back or neck pain was work-related (54.1%). Only 14.1% of respondents reported having had training in back or neck pain prevention. The most common location of pain was lumbar (81.6%). The most common inciting event for work-related pain was patient transfer/transport (68.6%). For ODI scoring, 98% of clinicians within the health system were classified as minimal disability and 2% of clinicians as moderate disability. For NDI scoring, 95.8% of clinicians were classified as minimally disabled, with 2.6% classified as moderate disabled. Conclusions: Back and neck pain are common pathologies amongst anesthesia providers. For most clinicians, the pain began to occur during training. Common inciting events include patient transfer/transport, procedure performance, and room setup. This provides a framework with which preventative practices can take place to reduce the prevalence of back and neck pain in anesthesiology and other related health care disciplines. Full article

Background/Objectives: The role of muscle trigger points (TrPs) in neuropathic pain (NP) components in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) has not been investigated. Our aim was to systematically investigate if referred pain elicited by trigger points (TrPs) in neck musculature reproduces neuropathic pain (NP) characteristics in chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) and to determine the association of TrPs with pain intensity, mechanosensitivity, and disability. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted (n = 64; chronic WAD: n = 32; age- and sex-matched healthy controls: n = 32). TrPs in upper trapezius, suboccipital, splenius capitis, levator scapulae, scalene, and sternocleidomastoid muscles were evaluated. Pain intensity, NP components, pain catastrophizing, and disability were assessed with an 11-point numerical pain rating scale (0–10), NP questionnaires (Douleur Neuropathique 4 [DN4], self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [S-LANSS], and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory [NSPI]), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Neck Disability Index, respectively. Mechanosensitivity (pressure pain thresholds) was assessed bilaterally over C2–C3 and C5–6 zygapophyseal joints, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior muscle. The Mann–Whitney U test and advanced chi-square (χ²) test, including rank-based ANCOVA adjusted for age and sex, were used for comparisons between groups. Additionally, multivariate analyses were also performed (rank-based MANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and pain intensity). Spearman’s rho (r_s) and LOESS regression analysis, corroborated with linear regression and/or polynomial regression coefficient analysis, were used to explore associations between clinical variables in WAD. Results: Significant differences in distribution of TrPs, with a significant effect of sex, were found between groups (p < 0.05). In WAD, a greater number of active TrPs, mostly prevalent in levator scapulae and suboccipital muscles, was associated with higher pain intensity, number and intensity of NP components, and disability (0.372 < r_s < 0.570, p < 0.05), or local mechanical hyperalgesia (r_s = −0.362, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Referred pain elicited by active TrPs in the neck muscles reproduced NP symptoms in chronic WAD. This study contributes to a new understanding of pain mechanisms in WAD, highlighting the role of active TrPs in generating or maintaining NP symptoms and sensitization processes. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to derive and internally validate a prescriptive clinical prediction rule (CPR) for identifying baseline factors associated with short-term clinical improvement in patients with neck pain (NP) undergoing a manual therapy (MT)-based physiotherapy program. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, including 71 patients with NP (18–65 years). Participants received six MT-based sessions over three weeks. Baseline assessments included Pain Intensity Numeric Rating Scale (PI-NRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Body Mass (BM), Body Mass Index (BMI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form (MSQ), and Craniovertebral Angle (CVA). Clinical improvement was defined using the Global Perceived Effect Scale (GPES-7). Univariate analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and forward stepwise logistic regression were performed to derive the predictive model. Results: Fifty-six participants (78.9%) reported moderate to complete improvement. BM ≥ 76.5 kg and MSQ score ≤ 42.5 were retained in the final regression model. When both predictors were present, the probability of clinical improvement increased to 96.43% (positive likelihood ratio = 7.58). The model demonstrated adequate fit (Nagelkerke R² = 0.247; Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.804). Internal validation yielded an optimism-corrected AUC of 0.741, suggesting minimal overfitting. Conclusions: Higher BM and lower MSQ score were associated with greater short-term improvement following MT in patients with NP. These findings highlight the relevance of integrating physical and psychosocial factors in prescriptive rehabilitation approaches. External validation of this CPR is required before clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical facet-mediated pain is a significant underlying factor of persistent neck pain (CNP). Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) or conventional radiofrequency (CRF) has been introduced as a treatment alternative. However, comparative clinical data remain limited. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed patients with cervical facet-mediated pain who underwent PRF (n = 40) or CRF (n = 44) between January 2023 and December 2024. The success of the procedure was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) before the procedures and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following the injections. Patients’ feedback was evaluated using the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale. Results: For both groups, a substantial decrease in the mean pain and disability severity was recorded between the initial measurement and the first, third, and sixth months of follow-up, but the outcomes were significant only in the CRF group at the 12th month. The groups did not show a substantial difference in terms of pain relief, disability improvement, medication use, or patient satisfaction at one and three months (p > 0.05), but at six and 12 months, patients treated with CRF showed significantly greater outcomes (p < 0.001). No notable difference in complication rates was found between the PRF (10%) and CRF (16%) groups (p = 0.53). Conclusions: Both pulsed and conventional radiofrequency ablation effectively reduced pain and improved function in the early-midterm follow-up. However, CRF provided more sustained relief and greater patient-reported success at 6 and 12 months, without an increase in complication rates, suggesting that CRF may offer a more durable long-term treatment option. Full article