The CROM-VAS Test: a novel and reliable clinical test to assess immediate pain relief following treatment for movement-evoked neck pain

Key Points

1. CROM-VAS is a reliable test that measures a distinct immediate change in pain post treatment without confounders of improved function.

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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Generally, the evidence suggests a combination of manual therapy and exercise for the management of neck pain (1). Improvements in neck pain are often measured by changes in pain intensity (2), range of motion (3) and/or disability (4).

The aim of the study was to develop and assess reliability and distinctiveness of a test (CROM-VAS) to quantify immediate pain relief without the confounder of improved cervical range of motion after a hands-on treatment. This is particularly important as neck pain is often provoked or aggravated by specific neck movements. Assessing pain intensity at the end of range after a treatment has limitations as improved range might mask a reduction in pain intensity.

Generally the evidence suggests a combination of manual therapy and exercise for the management of neck pain.

This test might be useful particularly in those with higher reports of pain and with more irritable conditions to quantify pain relief without the confounder of changes in range of motion.

METHODS

• The test was performed on 58 adults with non-specific neck pain following manual therapy.

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