Objective This study aimed at exploring the perspectives and experiences of patients with neck pain by synthesizing all available qualitative studies. Methods A systematic, qualitative meta-summary and meta-synthesis was conducted following the 5-step methodology proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso. A systematic search of 9 electronic databases was conducted in May 2021. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results Nine studies were included in the meta-synthesis, for a total of 103 participants (73 women). Eleven categories were identified as belonging to 3 main themes: physical (“My neck has gone wrong”); psychological (“I am worried about my recovery”); and social (“Pain limits my life”). In the physical theme, the categories with the highest frequency were symptoms (67%) followed by body perception (44%). The psychological theme frequencies from highest to lowest were psychological consequences (100%), coping strategies (100%), mindset (67%), expectations from health care professionals (44%) and gender influence (22%). In the social theme frequencies from highest to lowest were social relationships (56%), work, activities of daily living and physical activity (44%, respectively). Conclusions The patient’s experience with neck pain is a multidimensional phenomenon in which the physical, psychological, and social dimensions influenced each other. These findings suggested that health care professionals should be aware of recognizing and evaluating all of the patient’s experiences to offer a truly patient-centered care pathway.
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