Sensory and upper-extremity function in cervical disc herniation

Investigation of Somatosensory Perception, Pain, Kinesiophobia, and Upper Extremity Functional Skills in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Case-Control Study

Inonu University · NCT07282522

This project will test whether adults aged 18–65 with cervical disc herniation have altered touch and pain sensitivity, greater fear of movement, and reduced arm/hand function compared with healthy adults.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment64 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorInonu University (other)
Locations1 site (Iğdır, Iğdir)
Trial IDNCT07282522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational, cross-sectional comparison of people with cervical disc herniation and pain-free controls using somatosensory perception tests, visual analog pain ratings, pain threshold/tolerance testing, and upper-extremity functional measures. Participants complete standardized sensory tests for touch and proprioception as well as pain-threshold assessments and questionnaires for kinesiophobia. Functional performance of the shoulder, arm, and hand is measured and correlated with sensory and pain findings. The study recruits adults 18–65 with at least three months of neck pain and is conducted at a single site in Iğdır, Turkey.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 with a clinical diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, at least three months of neck pain, good cognitive function, and the ability to follow testing procedures are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with VAS activity pain below 3, prior neck or upper-extremity surgery, cervical radiculopathy, systemic cancer, inflammatory rheumatic disease, current psychiatric treatment, or insufficient literacy/cognitive function would not be eligible or likely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If clear sensory and pain-related deficits are identified, clinicians could better target rehabilitation and pain-management approaches to improve arm and hand function.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies of cervical nerve-root disorders have documented sensory loss and reduced pain thresholds, though combining somatosensory testing, pain-threshold measures, kinesiophobia, and functional hand assessments in the same cohort is less common.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for volunteers in the study: Neck pain lasting at least 3 months, Being between the ages of 18-65 with a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, Being able to cooperate with the applied parameters, Having good cognitive function, Being literate, Agreeing to participate in the study.

For the control group, having no complaints of neck pain and not having any neck-related diagnosis.

Exclusion criteria for volunteers in the study: Neck pain intensity during activity according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) below 3, Individuals who have undergone any surgery related to neck problems, Individuals who have undergone surgery related to upper extremity problems, Individuals with cervical radiculopathy, Having a systemic malignant disease anywhere in the body, Having any disease related to connective tissue or inflammatory rheumatic diseases, Having a psychiatric diagnosis and receiving treatment, Being illiterate, Not having sufficient cognitive function, Having received any neck-related physical therapy in the last 6 months for the CBA group.

Where this trial is running

Iğdır, Iğdir

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: Cervical Disc Herniation

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.