Treatment program for chronic neck pain focusing on the central nervous system

The Effect of Central Nervous System Focused Treatment Program in Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain -Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Acibadem University · NCT06503562

This study is testing a new treatment program that combines education and relaxation techniques with physical therapy to see if it can help people with chronic neck pain feel better and move more easily.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAcibadem University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Istanbul and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06503562 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a central nervous system-focused treatment program on patients suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain. The program includes pain neuroscience education, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques with guided imagery, alongside classical physiotherapy. The aim is to assess improvements in pain levels, range of motion, functional status, and psychological factors such as pain-related fear and anxiety. By focusing on the neuroplasticity aspect of chronic pain, the study seeks to provide a novel approach to treatment that is often overlooked in clinical settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with nonspecific neck pain lasting more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of neck or shoulder surgery, underlying inflammatory diseases, or significant neurological issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment program could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic neck pain by addressing both physical and psychological aspects of their condition.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of focusing on central nervous system therapies for chronic pain is gaining attention, this specific combination of interventions has not been widely tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being diagnosed with nonspecific neck pain by a doctor,
* To be between the ages of 18-65,
* Having neck pain for more than 3 months
* No previous neck or shoulder surgery,
* No shoulder pain due to any cause,
* A tumour or inflammatory disease underlying the neck pain not to be found,
* A clinically underlying stenosis or discogenic problem not to be present.
* Negative results from the following clinical examination tests;

  * Spurling test,
  * Lhermitte test,
  * Cervical distraction test,
  * Adson test,

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not meeting the inclusion criteria,
* Positive neurological examination (positive motor presence, reflex or sensory abnormalities indicating spinal root compression) or abnormal neurological findings related to nerve compression in the upper limb
* Systemic rheumatological or metabolic diseases or cancer
* Refusal to participate in the study,
* Failure to complete treatment,
* Having any neurological problem
* Severe psychological illnesses

Where this trial is running

Istanbul and 1 other locations

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 PainChronic Pain SyndromeRehabilitation
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.