Specific and Shared Mechanisms Associated With Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain

Launched by DUKE UNIVERSITY · Jul 3, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of physical therapy treatments can help people with chronic neck pain, a condition that can cause ongoing pain and difficulty in daily activities. The researchers are particularly interested in comparing two approaches: manual therapy (hands-on techniques) and exercise-based therapy. They want to understand the specific ways each treatment works and also look for common factors that might play a role in how well these treatments help, even though they are different. This study is important because it may reveal whether the success of these treatments is mainly due to unique methods or shared benefits that both provide.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be 18 years or older and have experienced chronic neck pain for at least three months, which is defined as pain that occurs most days and scores 3 or higher on a scale of 1 to 10. Certain people, such as those with a history of neck surgery or specific medical concerns, won't be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in either manual therapy or exercise-based therapy and will contribute to valuable research that could improve treatment options for chronic neck pain in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with chronic neck pain (chronic pain is defined using the International Association of the Study of Pain (IASP) pragmatic criteria of pain lasting for 3 months or more that cannot be attributed to another diagnosis or condition.)
• • 18 years of age and older
• • experience ongoing neck pain of ≥3 on a 10-point scale for most days of the previous 3-months.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Individuals with cervical pain and suspected radicular symptoms
• • a history of neck surgery within 1 year
• • current or suspected red flags
• • unable to speak or write in English.