For chronic neck pain with mobility deficits, which statement is correct?

For chronic neck pain with mobility deficits, which statement is correct?

• A. Ultrasound should be avoided in chronic neck pain
• B. In chronic neck pain with mobility deficits, pulsed or high-power US can be used
• C. Ultrasound is effective only when combined with traction
• D. Ultrasound is never used for neck pain

Answer: (B)

Ultrasound therapy for neck pain can help with mobility deficits by providing either non-thermal or thermal effects, depending on how you set it. Using a pulsed mode delivers non-thermal effects that can promote tissue repair and pain relief without heating the tissue, which is useful when inflammation or tissue sensitivity is a concern. Using continuous, higher-power ultrasound produces thermal effects that raise tissue temperature, helping to increase blood flow, tissue extensibility, and range of motion. For chronic neck pain with mobility deficits, either approach can be chosen based on the treatment goals—pain control with healing in mind or improved ROM through heating. That’s why the statement that pulsed or high-power ultrasound can be used is correct. The other options aren’t accurate because ultrasound isn’t universally avoided in chronic neck pain, it isn’t limited to efficacy only when combined with traction, and it isn’t never used for neck pain.

Ultrasound therapy for neck pain can help with mobility deficits by providing either non-thermal or thermal effects, depending on how you set it. Using a pulsed mode delivers non-thermal effects that can promote tissue repair and pain relief without heating the tissue, which is useful when inflammation or tissue sensitivity is a concern. Using continuous, higher-power ultrasound produces thermal effects that raise tissue temperature, helping to increase blood flow, tissue extensibility, and range of motion. For chronic neck pain with mobility deficits, either approach can be chosen based on the treatment goals—pain control with healing in mind or improved ROM through heating. That’s why the statement that pulsed or high-power ultrasound can be used is correct. The other options aren’t accurate because ultrasound isn’t universally avoided in chronic neck pain, it isn’t limited to efficacy only when combined with traction, and it isn’t never used for neck pain.