Comparing two techniques for treating mechanical neck pain

Comparison of Cervical Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Mechanical Neck Pain

Not applicable Interventional Riphah International University · NCT06598644

This study is testing two different treatments for neck pain to see which one helps people aged 20 to 45 feel better and move their necks more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment56 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorRiphah International University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT06598644 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of two therapeutic techniques, Cervical Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), in treating mechanical neck pain. Participants will receive either SNAG or IASTM combined with conventional physical therapy to assess pain reduction, range of motion improvement, and overall neck function enhancement. The study targets individuals aged 20 to 45 with a history of neck pain lasting more than three months, focusing on specific muscle tenderness and pain during head movements.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20 to 45 with chronic neck pain lasting over three months and specific tenderness in neck muscles.

Not a fit: Patients with recent neck injuries, surgeries, or specific conditions like radiculopathy or rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more effective treatment options for managing mechanical neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar manual therapy techniques for neck pain, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* • Both genders (males and females)

  * Age between 20 and 45 years
  * History of neck pain \>3 month, with tenderness on palpation present on sternocleidomastoid and Levator scapulae muscles and pain aggravated by activities involving turning head towards the side
  * Patients with pain on NPRS (at least 3)

Exclusion Criteria:

* • patients with recent injuries or surgeries in and around the neck region

  * Cervical nerve root lesion (radiculopathy)
  * Traumatic injuries like whiplash injury
  * malignancy in and around the neck region
  * rheumatoid arthritis
  * pregnant females
  * cervicogenic headache
  * Patients with unwillingness or inability to provide informed consent
  * Current participation in another neck pain treatment program

Where this trial is running

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province

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 Mechanical Neck Paincervical SNAGSInstrument assisted soft tissue mobilizationergon technique
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.