Osteopathic treatment for neck pain and headaches

The Effect of Osteopathic Treatment on Craniocervico-Mandibular Dysfunction

NA · Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine · NCT06471426

This study is testing if osteopathic treatment can help people with neck pain and headaches feel better and improve their daily life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorEdward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine (other)
Locations1 site (Auburn, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT06471426 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on the craniocervico-mandibular unit in individuals suffering from neck pain and headaches. The study will assess various outcomes, including muscle stiffness, jaw motion, autonomic function, and pain pressure thresholds. Participants will undergo a series of assessments, including ultrasound and motion capture, to measure the impact of OMT on their symptoms and overall function. The goal is to understand how OMT can alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life for those affected by these conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 19-65 who have experienced neck pain and/or headaches for more than one month.

Not a fit: Patients with prior cervical or thoracic spinal surgery, jaw diseases, or certain chronic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant relief from neck pain and headaches, improving patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have shown promising results in using osteopathic treatment for musculoskeletal pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* male and female subjects 19-65 years old
* neck pain and/or headaches of \> 1 month duration

Exclusion Criteria:

* prior cervical or thoracic spinal surgery
* diagnosis cervical radiculopathy or pinched nerve in the neck
* diagnosis of jaw disease or dysfunction
* diagnosis of connective tissue or muscle disorders
* diagnosis of cancer
* previous spinal cord injury
* Inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia
* eye movement disorder
* known pregnancy (hormonal changes affecting tissues could be a confounding variable)
* tobacco use
* known diabetes or prediabetes
* allergy to ultrasound gel (propylene glycol)
* history of manual therapy treatment within the past 2 weeks
* history of injection for pain within the past month
* currently taking muscle relaxers

Where this trial is running

Auburn, Alabama

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Headache, Neck Pain

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.