The Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education Plus Conventional Physical Therapy on Pain and Quality of Life in Adults with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Central Sensitization

Background: Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNP) is the second most common musculoskeletal disorder. Central sensitization (CS) of pain is likely a contributing factor to the persistence or recurrence of pain cycles in CNP patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pain neuroscience education (PNE) in addition to conventional physical therapy on pain intensity, CS, and quality of life in patients with CNP who have CS. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 25 patients with CNP and CS participated in a 4-week intervention program that included conventional physical therapy plus PNE. CS, pain intensity, and quality of life were assessed using the CS inventory, visual analog scale (VAS), and SF-36. All participants were evaluated before and after 12 intervention sessions (three times a week). Results: The results showed that after the intervention, both pain intensity and CS decreased significantly (pain intensity: mean difference = -58.96 ± 16.35, effect size = -3.61; CS: mean difference = -25.52 ± 7.25, effect size = -3.52). Additionally, the quality-of-life score significantly increased (mean difference = 24.04 ± 12.50, effect size = 1.92). A significant correlation was also found between quality-of-life scores and age. Conclusion: Adding PNE to conventional physical therapy appears to be more effective than conventional physical therapy alone in improving CS, pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with CNP.