• Leininger BD
• Evans R
• Bronfort G

• Acute Pain
• Exercise Therapy / methods
• Manipulation, Spinal
• Neck Pain / drug therapy
• Neck Pain / therapy
• Patient Satisfaction

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess satisfaction with specific aspects of care for acute neck pain and explore the relationship between satisfaction with care, neck pain, and global satisfaction.

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of patient satisfaction from a randomized trial of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) delivered by doctors of chiropractic, home exercise and advice (HEA) delivered by exercise therapists, and medication (MED) prescribed by a medical doctors for acute/subacute neck pain. Differences in satisfaction with specific aspects of care were analyzed using a linear mixed model. The relationship between specific aspects of care and (1) change in neck pain (primary outcome of the randomized trial) and (2) global satisfaction were assessed using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results: Individuals receiving SMT or HEA were more satisfied with the information and general care received than MED group participants. Spinal manipulation therapy and HEA groups reported similar satisfaction with information provided during treatment; however, the SMT group was more satisfied with general care. Satisfaction with general care (r = −0.75 to −0.77; R2 = 0.55-0.56) had a stronger relationship with global satisfaction compared with satisfaction with information provided (r = −0.65 to 0.67; R2 = 0.39-0.46). The relationship between satisfaction with care and neck pain was weak (r = 0.17-0.38; R2 = 0.08-0.21).

Conclusions: Individuals with acute/subacute neck pain were more satisfied with specific aspects of care received during spinal manipulation therapy or home exercise interventions compared to receiving medication. The relationship between neck pain and satisfaction with care was weak.

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