Comparing two techniques for treating mechanical neck pain
Official title: Comparison of Cervical Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Mechanical Neck Pain
Run by Riphah International University · NCT06598644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 26, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | February 21, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06598644 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent neck injuries, surgeries, or specific conditions like radiculopathy or rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar manual therapy techniques for neck pain, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Pakistan Railway hospital
Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kinza Anwar, Ms-Ompt — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Kinza Anwar, Ms-Ompt
- Email: kinza.anwar@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92-3239735427
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Strain Counter Strain vs. Conventional Stretching for neck pain in school-aged kids who sit too long at screens
This study tests whether strain counter strain or traditional neck stretches relieve pain and improve neck movement in kids aged 8–14 who have neck pain from long screen time.
-
Smartphone Overuse and Neck Pain in Galala University Students
A group of university students with mechanical neck pain who use smartphones daily will be examined to see if heavy phone use is linked to how bad their neck pain feels.
-
TENS vs Ultrasound with Exercise for Mechanical Neck Pain
A 44-person randomized trial tests whether TENS plus exercise works better than ultrasound plus exercise for neck pain.
-
Effects of neck and upper back mobilization on neck pain and daily living
This study tests whether cervical spine mobilization alone or combined with thoracic mobilization helps people aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain feel less pain and disability.
-
Integrated neuromuscular inhibition, dry cupping, and dry needling for neck pain
This trial tests four treatment setups to see which helps people with chronic neck muscle pain best, all alongside standard physical therapy.
-
Deep neck flexor and sensorimotor training for chronic neck pain
This trial will test whether adding deep neck flexor exercises and sensorimotor (proprioception) training to usual physical therapy helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.