Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+2 other locations

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Tufts University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this clinical trial is to compare physical therapy treatments in people with neck pain. The main aim is to compare the short-term effectiveness of physical therapy treatment for neck pain as delivered through Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) as compared to the Cervical Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) in patients with neck pain. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive treatment according to MDT or CPG guidelines. Researchers will compare outcomes between the two groups over 1 year.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-90 with neck pain who show a directional preference during initial physical therapy assessment. It's not for those with spinal surgery history, cervical instability, serious conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, upper motor neuron signs, or certain symptoms like dizziness and swallowing issues.

Inclusion Criteria

My physical therapy exam showed I respond better to certain movements.

I am referred to physical therapy for neck pain from a hospital clinic.

I am between 18 and 90 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I have never had spinal surgery.

I do not show signs of upper motor neuron disease.

I do not have serious conditions like cancer or autoimmune diseases.

+4 more

Participant Groups

The study compares two physical therapy approaches for neck pain: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) versus Cervical Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these treatments and monitored over a year to see which is more effective short-term.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

MDT is a system of examination and intervention based on the patient's response to repeated end range neck movements.

Group II: Cervical Spine Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)Active Control1 Intervention

The CPGs are guidelines for examination and intervention based on a summary of research conducted on people with neck pain.