Investigating treatment mechanisms for chronic neck pain

Specific and Shared Mechanisms Associated With Physical Therapy Interventions

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05940012

This study is testing how different physical therapy treatments for chronic neck pain, like manual therapy and resistance exercise, can help people feel better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05940012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores how different physical therapy treatments, specifically manual therapy and resistance exercise, affect outcomes for individuals with chronic neck pain. It aims to identify both specific treatment mechanisms unique to each approach and shared mechanisms that may be common across various interventions. The research will involve patients aged 18 and older who have experienced chronic neck pain for at least three months. By comparing these mechanisms, the study seeks to enhance understanding of how these treatments work and their effectiveness in alleviating pain and disability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with chronic neck pain lasting three months or more.

Not a fit: Patients with cervical pain and suspected radicular symptoms or a history of neck surgery within the past year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment strategies for chronic neck pain, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding treatment mechanisms for chronic pain, but this specific comparison of manual therapy and resistance exercise is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with chronic neck pain (chronic pain is defined using the International Association of the Study of Pain (IASP) pragmatic criteria of pain lasting for 3 months or more that cannot be attributed to another diagnosis or condition.)
* 18 years of age and older
* experience ongoing neck pain of ≥3 on a 10-point scale for most days of the previous 3-months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with cervical pain and suspected radicular symptoms
* a history of neck surgery within 1 year
* current or suspected red flags
* unable to speak or write in English.

Where this trial is running

Charleston, South Carolina

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 Chronic 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.