MRI study on neck pain in young and middle-aged adults

Applied Research on Young and Middle-aged Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Pain Using T2-mapping, T1ρ and Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging

Observational First Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University · NCT06217029

This study is testing advanced MRI scans to see what causes neck and shoulder pain in young and middle-aged adults and how well non-surgical treatments work for them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital Xi'an Jiaotong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Xi'an, Shaanxi)
Trial IDNCT06217029 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the underlying causes of cervical and shoulder pain in young and middle-aged patients through advanced MRI techniques. Participants will undergo multiple MRI scans using T2-mapping, T1ρ, and DKI sequences, alongside clinical assessments, before and after receiving non-surgical treatments over a period of 12 months. The goal is to identify imaging predictors of treatment efficacy and better understand early disc degeneration that may not be visible on routine MRI. By analyzing the microstructural changes in the intervertebral discs, the study seeks to enhance the diagnosis and management of neck pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include young and middle-aged adults experiencing neck and shoulder pain for more than two months with evidence of cervical disc degeneration.

Not a fit: Patients with severe trauma, significant organic lesions, or chronic pain in other regions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for patients suffering from neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies utilizing advanced MRI techniques for similar conditions, this specific approach focusing on early disc degeneration in young adults is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Neck and shoulder pain, with or without upper limb pain and numbness;
2. Disease duration longer than 2 months
3. Visual analogue score (VAS) ≥ 3
4. Cervical MRI showing cervical disc degeneration, bulge, protrusion, etc.
5. Patients will undergo non-surgical treatment (maxillary occipital traction, massage, etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe trauma and surgery in neck and shoulder region.
2. X-ray or CT showing the severe cervical spine hyperplasia, infection (suppurative, tuberculous), neoplasm (various primary and secondary tumors), rheumatic (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), and nuclei pulposus calcification.
3. Cervical MRI revealed organic lesions such as inflammation of the spinal cord, tumors, syringomyelia, etc.
4. Chronic pain in other regions.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an, Shaanxi

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 Neck Painneck painyoung adultsT2-mappingT1ρDKI
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.