Thoracic thrust plus gentle neck mobilization for chronic mechanical neck pain
Official title: Thoracic Thrust With Cervical Non-Thrust Mobilization in Mechanical Neck Pain
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07326696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding a quick thoracic thrust to gentle neck mobilization helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain have less pain and better movement.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07326696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–40 with chronic (>3 months) mechanical neck pain, cervical (C2–C7) and thoracic (T1–T6) hypomobility, and a craniovertebral angle under 48 degrees are the intended candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with serious pathology (e.g., neoplasm, fracture), recent whiplash, cervical spinal stenosis, radiculopathy or neurological deficits, structural deformities, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, pregnancy, or prior cervical/thoracic spine surgery are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial in Islamabad will use a coin-toss to assign adults with chronic mechanical neck pain to one of two groups. One group will receive a thoracic thrust manipulation alongside cervical non-thrust mobilization and therapeutic exercises, while the other group will receive cervical non-thrust mobilization with exercises alone. Researchers will measure pain, thoracic range of motion, kyphotic angle, craniovertebral angle, and neck proprioception before and after the intervention. Comparisons will focus on short-term changes between the two treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding thoracic thrusts could provide faster pain relief and improved neck and upper-back mobility compared with neck mobilization alone.
How similar studies have gone: Prior randomized trials of thoracic manipulation added to cervical care have shown short-term reductions in neck pain and improved range of motion, though long-term superiority is inconsistent.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Both male and female * Age: 20-40 years * Numeric pain rating scale (3\<) (13) * Neck pain for more than 3 months * Cervical hypomobility (C2-C7) * Thoracic hypomobility (T1-T6) * CranioVertebral Angle \< 48 Degrees Exclusion criteria: * Serious pathology (e.g. neoplasm, fracture) * History of whiplash injury within the past 6 months * Cervical spinal stenosis * Radiculopathy * Neurological deficit * Structural deformities * Vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency * Pregnancy * Prior surgery of cervical or thoracic spine
Where it's running
-
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ayesha Aslam
- Email: ayeshaaslam6@gmail.com
- Phone: 03348648229
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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.