Testing a Clinical Prediction Rule to Identify Patients Aged 18 to 70 With Neck Pain Who Benefit From Cervical Spine Manipulation and Exercise

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating neck pain, a common problem that can cause lasting disability and missed work. The study aims to test a method that identifies patients likely to benefit from a physical therapy technique called cervical spine thrust joint manipulation. This multicenter randomized trial will enroll 160 patients to see if the method can reliably predict who will improve most with this treatment compared to another approach. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one will receive 2 sessions of cervical spine manipulation followed by 3 sessions of therapeutic exercises, while the other will receive 2 sessions of gentle low-grade cervical mobilizations followed by the same 3 sessions of exercises. Treatments focus on the neck and surrounding muscles using manual techniques. The study includes follow-ups at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months to assess both immediate and long-term effects. During the trial, participants will complete self-report measures and physical exams to track changes in disability and pain. Researchers will measure outcomes primarily through the Neck Disability Index over 6 months. Additional assessments include pain rating scales, global change ratings, medication use, healthcare use, and fear avoidance beliefs. The study is designed to provide clearer guidance on who may benefit from cervical manipulation and improve care for neck pain sufferers.

Validating a Clinical Prediction Rule to Guide Manual Therapy and Exercise for Neck Pain Relief