In 2014, Maiers, et. al., conducted study about Chronic neck pain which is a common issue among seniors, and finding effective treatments that are both satisfactory and valuable to older individuals is a significant concern. In a mixed-methods study conducted within the framework of a randomized clinical trial, the perceptions of spinal manipulative therapy and exercise were examined among adults aged 65 years and older with chronic neck pain.

The study included 241 participants, with 222 individuals participating in semi-structured interviews upon completing a 12-week intervention phase that incorporated spinal manipulative therapy and exercise interventions. The participants, with a mean age of 72.2 years, experienced moderate neck pain for an average duration of six years.

The findings revealed several key factors that seniors valued in their neck pain treatment. First and foremost, participants placed a high value on their relationships with healthcare team members, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal dynamics in the care they received. Additionally, they valued personalized care and the exercises and information provided as part of their treatment. Interestingly, the changes in their symptoms did not feature prominently in their assessment of care satisfaction. Instead, social and process-related aspects of treatment took center stage.

It was observed that seniors’ perceptions of their age, daily activities, and the presence of co-morbidities influenced their expectations regarding treatment outcomes. Moreover, the presence of co-morbidities also impacted how they perceived their ability to engage in active care.

This study underscores the significance of the patient-provider relationship in enhancing patient satisfaction and perceived value of care among seniors with chronic neck pain. The findings suggest that focusing on interpersonal dynamics, providing individualized care, and offering clear exercises and information can contribute significantly to improving the overall treatment experience for this demographic. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when designing and delivering care for seniors with chronic neck pain to ensure better patient outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction.

Reference: Maiers, M., Vihstadt, C., Hanson, L., & Evans, R. (2014). Perceived value of spinal manipulative therapy and exercise among seniors with chronic neck pain: a mixed methods study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 46(10), 1022-1028.