PhD Defence Martine Janine Verwoerd

Keywords: Neck pain, prognostics, Physiotherapy, biopsychosocial 
 

"Unlocking the Transition: Prognostic Modeling for Chronic Neck Pain in Primary Care"

The primary aim of this thesis was to identify factors that predict the development of chronic neck pain and to create a model that helps determine which patients are most at risk. Additionally, the research examined how physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors influence their approach to managing neck pain. 

Among the 603 patients studied, 10% developed chronic pain. Key predictive factors included psychological elements such as depression, distress, unemployment, and beliefs about neck pain. The thesis also uncovered a complex relationship between physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices. While there is a general move toward a biopsychosocial approach, integrating psychological factors into treatment remains challenging due to personal attitudes, patient expectations, and varying levels of competency among physiotherapists. 

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