Evaluating Combined Chiropractic Care and Tai Chi for Adults with Chronic Neck Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the combined effect of chiropractic care and Tai Chi training on reducing pain and disability in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility of recruiting, retaining, and safely monitoring participants, while also measuring clinical outcomes such as pain levels, disability, quality of life, self-efficacy, and psychological factors related to neck pain. The study is sponsored by Harvard University Faculty of Medicine and involves adults aged 18 to 65 with persistent neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups one group will receive 10 chiropractic treatments over 16 weeks along with Tai Chi group training for 16 weeks and enhanced usual care, which includes educational materials a second group will receive chiropractic care plus enhanced usual care and a third group will receive only enhanced usual care with educational materials and biweekly check-in calls. Chiropractic care includes posture correction, soft tissue release, spinal manipulation, education, strengthening, and ergonomic advice. Tai Chi classes will be held weekly for 16 weeks. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks for pain intensity, pain on movement, disability, quality of life, self-efficacy, postural awareness, pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and interoceptive awareness. Researchers will also monitor recruitment, retention, and adherence rates throughout the average 18-month study duration. Participants will be followed for 8 weeks after interventions end to evaluate longer-term outcomes and safety.

Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain Treated With Tai Chi and Chiropractic Care