Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mobilization and Manipulation of the Thoracic Spine in Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain

Completed · Phase 1

Conditions studied: Neck Pain

In brief

This study aims to compare whether or not there is a difference in the effectiveness of upper back (thoracic spine) mobilizations versus manipulations used in a population of patients with mechanical neck pain. The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving a manipulative technique will experience better outcomes than patients receiving the mobilization techniques and these results will be evident at a 48-hour follow-up.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00128869

Run by

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

People needed

96

Starts

2005-05-01

Expected to finish

2007-10-01

Last updated by the study team

2008-05-13

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Primary complaint of neck pain with duration of symptoms greater than 4 weeks
• Age between 18-60 years old

You may not qualify if…

• Red flags from the medical neck screening questionnaire to include tumor, fracture, metabolic disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, prolonged history of steroid use.
• History of whiplash injury
• Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis
• Bilateral upper extremity symptoms
• Evidence of central nervous system involvement to include hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, presence of pathological reflexes
• Two or more positive neurological signs consistent with nerve root compression to include muscle weakness involving a major muscle group of the upper extremity; diminished upper extremity muscle stretch reflex; diminished or absent sensation to pinprick in any upper extremity dermatome.
• Prior surgery to the neck or thoracic spine
• Pending legal action regarding neck pain

Where it is running

• Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group — San Diego, California, United States
• Centennial Physical Therapy-Colorado Sport and Spine Centers — Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital — Newton, Massachusetts, United States
• Groves Physical Therapy — Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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