Cervigard Neck Collar for Neck Pain

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Kessler Foundation

Disqualifiers: Tumor, Infection, Fracture, Deformities, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the Cervigard neck collar, a device designed to help military personnel with posture-related neck pain. The collar supports the neck to reduce pain, improve function, and correct spine curvature. Participants will use the collar regularly and provide feedback on their pain and function, with medical imaging used to measure changes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on testing the neck collar, so you might be able to continue your usual treatments, but it's best to confirm with the trial organizers.

How does the Cervigard Neck Collar treatment differ from other treatments for neck pain?

The Cervigard Neck Collar is unique because it specifically targets forward head posture (FHP), which is a common cause of neck pain. Unlike other treatments that may focus on general pain relief, this collar aims to correct posture, potentially addressing the root cause of the pain. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for active-duty military personnel aged 18-45 with neck pain lasting over 3 months, rated at least a 4 out of 10 on the pain scale. They must have forward head posture and not found relief from conventional treatments. Excluded are those with recent tumors, infections in the neck, generalized disorders affecting vertebrae, healing fractures, spinal deformities or conditions that make participation unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 45 years old.

DEERS Eligible

I have had neck pain for over 3 months without nerve issues and have seen a doctor.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a health condition that weakens my neck bones or tissues.

Medical and/or psychological condition that would preclude safe participation

I had a tumor in my neck or head area in the last 6 months.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants are fitted with the Cervigard neck collar and instructed to wear it daily. Self-reported neck pain and function measures, as well as cervical X-Rays, are collected.

6 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with additional cervical X-Rays and questionnaires.

6 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cervigard Neck Collar (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests the Cervigard Neck Collar's effectiveness and safety in treating posture-related neck pain among military members. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the collar immediately or after six weeks and will use it daily while their pain, function, and cervical spine alignment are monitored through questionnaires and X-rays over a period of up to twelve weeks.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Cervigard Neck Collar, which is a device used to treat neck pain caused by forward head posture.

Group II: Waitlist Control Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will receive no intervention for 6 weeks after enrollment. They will receive the device after 6 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kessler Foundation

Lead Sponsor

Trials

190

Recruited

11,300+

The Geneva Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

39

Recruited

13,700+

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Collaborator

Trials

149

Recruited

33,800+

Melissa C. Austin

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2020

MD from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center

Melissa C. Austin

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD, Board Certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Collaborator

Trials

130

Recruited

91,100+

Dr. Michael Anderson

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Chief Medical Officer

MD

Dr. Jonathan Woodson

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

MD, MSS, FACS

Geneva Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

9,000+

Findings from Research

The study found a moderate correlation between the craniovertebral angle (CVA) in the sagittal plane and the angle formed between the sternum and the tragi in the frontal plane, suggesting that frontal plane measurements can help assess forward head posture (FHP).

In both men and women, factors like height, weight, BMI, and hours spent on digital devices were negatively correlated with CVA, indicating that these factors may influence the severity of FHP.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correlation between craniovertebral angle in the sagittal plane and angles and indices measured in the frontal plane at the moment of inducing forward head posture. Molaeifar, S., Yazdani, F., Yoosefinejad, AK., et al.[2021]

In a study of 101 office workers, forward head posture (FHP) and increased thoracic kyphosis were found to be associated with neck pain, particularly when in a working position.

However, shoulder posture did not show a significant correlation with neck pain, suggesting that not all postural issues contribute to this type of discomfort.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The relationship of forward head posture and rounded shoulders with neck pain in Iranian office workers. Nejati, P., Lotfian, S., Moezy, A., et al.[2021]

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions targeting forward head posture (FHP) in individuals with mechanical neck pain (MNP), focusing on randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.

The review will assess various outcomes, including postural changes, neck pain relief, functional disability, and quality of life, using rigorous methods to ensure the reliability of the findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of posture-correction interventions for mechanical neck pain and posture among people with forward head posture: protocol for a systematic review. Balthillaya, GM., Parsekar, SS., Gangavelli, R., et al.[2022]

In a study of 66 elderly participants with forward head posture (FHP) and neck pain, the Chiropractic Biophyics® (CBP®) intervention led to significant improvements in craniovertebral angle (CVA) after 6 weeks, while the standard exercise group did not show similar postural improvements.

At a 3-month follow-up, the CBP group maintained significant improvements in pain intensity and functional outcomes, suggesting that correcting FHP may be crucial for long-term relief and better function, unlike the standard exercise group which experienced regression.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Comparison of Two Forward Head Posture Corrective Approaches in Elderly with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study. Suwaidi, ASA., Moustafa, IM., Kim, M., et al.[2023]

Adults with neck pain exhibit a significant increase in forward head posture (FHP) compared to asymptomatic individuals, with a mean difference of 4.84, indicating a clear relationship between FHP and neck pain in this population.

In adults and older adults, there are strong negative correlations between FHP and both neck pain intensity and disability, suggesting that greater FHP is associated with more severe neck pain, while this relationship is less evident in adolescents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mahmoud, NF., Hassan, KA., Abdelmajeed, SF., et al.[2020]

References

1. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Correlation between craniovertebral angle in the sagittal plane and angles and indices measured in the frontal plane at the moment of inducing forward head posture. [2021]

2. Iran pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The relationship of forward head posture and rounded shoulders with neck pain in Iranian office workers. [2021]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of posture-correction interventions for mechanical neck pain and posture among people with forward head posture: protocol for a systematic review. [2022]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Comparison of Two Forward Head Posture Corrective Approaches in Elderly with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Relationship Between Forward Head Posture and Neck Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2020]