Improving neck movement with spinal manipulation therapy
Official title: Normalizing Cervical Intersegmental Kinematics With Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT06312696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if spinal manipulation therapy can help people with neck pain move better by looking at how their neck moves during everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 39 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06312696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 39 with nonspecific mechanical neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks and a pain intensity greater than 3 on a 0-10 scale.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with serious underlying health conditions, recent Botox treatments, chronic opioid use, or contraindications to spinal manipulation 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 study aims to develop an objective biomarker for spinal health by analyzing abnormal movement patterns in the cervical spine during functional activities. It hypothesizes that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) can normalize these aberrant motions in patients suffering from neck pain. The research will focus on quantifying 3D cervical spine intersegmental motion patterns to better target SMT and other conservative treatments. By understanding the relationship between spinal motion and dysfunction, the study seeks to enhance treatment efficacy for neck pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatments for neck pain by providing a targeted approach to spinal manipulation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using motion patterns as biomarkers is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in the field of spinal health and manipulation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Nonspecific, mechanical neck pain equivalent to grades I or II (Bone and Joint Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders classification2 for \>12 weeks * Ages 18 to 39 * Pain intensity \>3 (0-10 scale) Exclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiology Class III conditions and/or serious mental health conditions * Botox injections (which resulted in clinical relief) in the past 3 months * Chronic opioid use * Contraindications to spinal manipulation (e.g. cervical instability; complicating neurological conditions) Spinal manipulation or mobilization of cervical spine in prior 6 months * Ongoing non-pharmacological treatment for neck pain * History of cervical spine surgery * Pregnancy, currently trying to get pregnant, lactation * Contraindications to radiation exposure
Where it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arin Ellingson, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Stephany Nathe
- Email: nathe039@umn.edu
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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.