Exploring the Bidirectional Effects of Visceral and Cervical Manual Therapies on Viscero-Sympathetic Interactions in Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review

Background

Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a highly prevalent condition with a multifactorial etiology, involving musculoskeletal, psychosocial, and potentially visceral-autonomic contributors. Although somatic and psychosocial mechanisms are widely discussed, the possible role of visceral dysfunction and autonomic regulation in NSNP has not been systematically examined. According to the viscero-sympathetic model, persistent visceral dysfunctions may influence somatic pain processing and contribute to chronic pain syndromes.