Activity patterns and stress predict pain persistence and disability at 1 year in acute neck pain: prospective cohort study (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

• 213 acute neck pain patients followed for 12 months
• Baseline stress and avoidance predicted worse outcomes
• Pacing and overdoing not predictive
• Supports early psychosocial screening in acute neck pain

"A prospective cohort study of 213 acute neck pain patients (<3 weeks) found that baseline stress and avoidance activity patterns significantly predict pain persistence and disability at 12 months. Higher stress and avoidance led to worse outcomes, independent of initial pain intensity. Pacing and overdoing were not significant predictors."