Comparing Physical Therapy Interventions on Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) in Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck

In brief

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and radiculopathy are prevalent musculoskeletal conditions that afflict a substantial portion of the population, causing significant discomfort and impairments in daily functioning. MPS is characterized by localized muscle pain, trigger points, and referred pain, often accompanied by stiffness and restricted range of motion. A common feature shared by individuals with MPS and radiculopathy is the presence of postural abnormalities and balance impairments . The craniovertebral angle, which reflects the relationship between the head and neck, is often compromised in these individuals due to muscle imbalances, pain-related guarding, and structural changes in the spine. Various physiotherapy modalities, including dry needling, manual mobilization and soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, stretching, cupping therapy, and electrotherapy, have been utilized in clinical practice, but their relative efficacy in improving the craniovertebral angle and alleviating symptoms in individuals with MPS and radiculopathy has not been comprehensively compared. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and comparative effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions is essential for guiding evidence-based clinical decision-making and optimizing treatment outcomes for individuals with MPS and radiculopathy. By elucidating the effects of different treatment modalities on the craniovertebral angle and associated outcomes, this research endeavor aims to contribute to the development of more tailored and effective physiotherapy approaches for improving the well-being of individuals affected by these debilitating musculoskeletal conditions.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07098754
Run by: National Orthopedic and General Hospital
People needed: 100
Starts: 2025-03-15
Expected to finish: 2025-09-15
Last updated by the study team: 2025-08-01

Who can join

Age: 20 and older, up to 40. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Age: Participants must be between 20 and 40 years old.
Gender: Both genders, Male and Female have equal chance of selection as participant in the study.
Diagnosis: Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), altered cervical posture, restricted range of motion of cervical spine due to muscular spasm etc, altered craniovertebral angle, pain in cervical region or upper extremity and/or radiculopathy by a qualified healthcare professional, based on standardized diagnostic criteria (e.g., clinical examination, imaging studies).
Severity: Participants should have mild to moderate symptoms of MPS and/or radiculopathy, as determined by the assessing healthcare provider.
Willingness to Participate: Participants must be willing and able to comply physically and mentally with the study procedures, including attending scheduled physiotherapy sessions and completing outcome assessments.
Informed Consent: Participants will have to provide written informed consent mendatorily to be selected as participant in the study after receiving detailed information about the study aims, procedures, potential risks, and benefits.

You may not qualify if…

Severe Comorbidities: Participants with severe comorbidities or medical conditions that may interfere with their ability to participate in the study or confound the interpretation of results will be excluded. C1, C2 compression… vertigo
Surgeries: Participants who have undergone surgeries in the cervical or head region in past will be excluded due to potential confounding effects on outcomes.
Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals will be excluded from the study due to the potential risks associated with certain physiotherapy modalities and the need for specialized considerations in this population.
Contraindications: Participants with contraindications to specific physiotherapy modalities included in the study protocol (e.g., contraindications to dry needling, electrotherapy) will be excluded to ensure participant safety.
Inability to Attend Sessions: Participants who are unable to attend scheduled physiotherapy sessions due to logistical constraints (e.g., transportation issues, scheduling conflicts) will be excluded.
Cognitive Impairment: Participants with significant cognitive impairment or communication difficulties that may impede their ability to understand and follow study instructions will be excluded.
Participation in Other Research: Participants who are currently participating in other research studies involving treatment interventions for MPS and/or radiculopathy will be excluded to avoid potential confounding effects on outcomes and treatment adherence.
Malignancies: participants suffering from any kind of malignancies will be excluded from the study.
Trauma: Participants having a history of trauma and fractures in head and neck region will also be excluded from the study.

Where it is running

National Orthopedic and General Hospital — Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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