Effect of suboccipital release on fibromyalgia symptoms

Effect of Suboccipital Release on Neck Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional Cairo University · NCT06879743

This study tests if a special therapy called suboccipital release can help women with fibromyalgia feel better compared to standard physical therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCairo University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06879743 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of suboccipital release therapy in alleviating symptoms of fibromyalgia in female patients aged 20 to 45. Participants are randomly divided into two groups: one receiving standard physical therapy and the other undergoing suboccipital release treatment. The study measures outcomes such as cortisol levels, pain intensity, and quality of life using various assessment tools over a six-week treatment period. The goal is to provide preliminary evidence on the impact of this intervention on fibromyalgia symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 20-45 diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2016 American College of Rheumatology criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with other autoimmune disorders or those using strong pain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients with fibromyalgia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on suboccipital release for fibromyalgia, similar manual therapies have shown promise in managing chronic pain conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* women between 20-45 years old, (ii) diagnoses according to the 2016

American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia \[1\]

* Symptoms have been present at a similar level for at least three months (iii) Absence of other disorders that causes similar symptoms: systemic lupus erethromatosis (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Lyme disease based on laboratory investigations (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Anti anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti CCP), antinuclear antibody (ANA) and Rheumatoid factor(RF)).
* Exclusion Criteria:

  * any medical, neurological, or psychiatric illness, use of strong opioids or other painkillers except paracetamol and/or ibuprofen, benzodiazepine, illicit drug or alcohol use, recent use of cannabis, pregnancy, breast feeding, and the presence of pain syndromes other than FM. Presence of other autoimmune disorders e.g.: rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erethromatosus

Where this trial is running

Cairo

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 Fibromyalgia
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.