Investigation of Factors Influencing Treatment Expectations in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

This study aims to investigate the factors that influence treatment expectations in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions and a major public health issue that significantly affects quality of life and imposes economic burdens due to healthcare costs and productivity loss. It is considered the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. Chronic neck pain is increasingly prevalent due to modern lifestyle factors, such as prolonged use of smartphones and computers, and is most often classified as nonspecific, mechanical, or postural in origin.

Numerous biopsychosocial factors have been associated with the onset and persistence of neck pain, including age, gender, occupation, duration of sitting or sedentary work, smoking, stress, anxiety, depression, personality traits, emotional state, and levels of physical activity.

Treatment expectations are a key determinant of treatment response and clinical outcomes in musculoskeletal disorders. Positive expectations have been shown to enhance treatment effects, while negative expectations (nocebo effects) may worsen outcomes. Understanding these expectations may aid in tailoring treatment approaches and improving communication between patients and healthcare providers.

This study will evaluate demographic, psychological, and behavioral factors that may influence the treatment expectations of patients with chronic neck pain. The findings may contribute to improving treatment planning, patient education, and shared decision-making in clinical practice.