A device to treat neck pain in military personnel with poor posture.

Safety and Treatment Effect of a Novel Device for Neck Pain in Active-duty Military Personnel With Forward Head Posture.

Not applicable Interventional Kessler Foundation · NCT05433025

This study is testing a special neck collar to see if it can help active-duty military personnel with neck pain caused by poor posture feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorKessler Foundation Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05433025 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the Cervigard neck collar, designed to alleviate neck pain associated with forward head posture in active-duty military personnel. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive the collar and will report their pain and functional outcomes, alongside objective measurements of cervical lordosis and head posture. The study aims to provide evidence for a treatment that requires minimal effort from the patient, addressing a common issue in this population. The trial will include individuals who have experienced neck pain for at least three months and have not found relief from conventional treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are active-duty military personnel aged 18 to 45 with chronic neck pain and forward head posture.

Not a fit: Patients with recent cervical spine tumors, infections, or significant spinal deformities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could significantly improve neck pain management and quality of life for military personnel.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence supporting existing treatments for neck pain in military personnel, this approach using a novel device has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* DEERS Eligible
* Age 18 and 45 year old (inclusive)
* Neck pain duration ≥ 3 months without neurological signs and have been seen by a provider.
* Conventional treatments have not decreased neck pain
* Neck pain ≥ 4 on a 0-10 point numerical rating scale (0 = "no pain", 10 = "maximum pain")
* Forward head posture, indicated by forward placement of the head relative to the shoulders.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of a tumor in the cervical spine and/or head/neck region within the past 6 months.
* Infection involving the cervical spine and/or head/neck region within the past 6 months.
* Generalized medical disorders that would weaken the vertebrae or other tissue structures within the cervical spine region.
* Fracture that is acute and/or still healing
* Spinal deformities (e.g. Fixed kyphosis, Ankylosing spondylosis)
* Medical and/or psychological condition that would preclude safe participation

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Neck Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.