Clinical Prediction Rule for Thoracic Manipulation for Patients Presenting with Neck Pain

    Sometimes pain is coming from a different part of the body. This clinical prediction rule is used to identify patients with neck pain that would benefit from a thoracic manipulation. 6 predictor variables:
    -Symptoms < 30 days
    -No symptoms distal to the shoulder
    -Looking up does not aggravate symptoms
    -FABQpa score < 12
    -Diminished upper thoracic spine kyphosis
    -Cervical extension ROM < 30 degrees

If 3 of the 6 variables are met, +LR = 5.5; the chance of successful outcome improves from 54% to 86%! The shorter the duration, the more likely the patient would respond to the manipulation. This was the strongest predictor. Check out the article to review the CPR!