Comparison of Two Treatments on Nonspecific Neck Pain

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (IUC)

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization Group; Other: Exercise and workplace modifications; Other: Ischemic compression

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06485921

IstanbulUC-FTR-MK-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Ischemic Compression (IC) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain, functionality, cervical range of motion, pressure pain threshold, and quality of life in patients suffering from nonspecific neck pain.

Full description

Chronic nonspecific neck pain affects approximately 67% of the global population at least once in their lifetime. This type of neck pain, which is not linked to any specific cause or disease but often associated with the musculoskeletal system, can result from muscle strain or spasms in the neck. It causes functional limitations and decreases quality of life for those affected. Individuals frequently turn to healthcare services and pain-relieving medications in their efforts to manage this discomfort. Chronic nonspecific neck pain is recognized as a significant public health challenge due to its considerable socioeconomic impact. Several studies have indicated that myofascial trigger points in the neck region are associated with nonspecific neck pain and that myofascial trigger point therapy can reduce pain. Therefore, the role of myofascial trigger point therapy in the treatment of nonspecific neck pain has been emphasized in studies.

Enrollment: 48 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Having nonspecific neck pain and at least 3 myofascial trigger points in the back and neck muscles,
2. Pain duration exceeding 3 months,
3. Working with a computer for at least 20 hours per week for at least 1 year,
4. Pain intensity rated as at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS),
5. Age between 18 and 50 years

Exclusion criteria

1. Use of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticoagulant, muscle relaxant, or antidepressant medications at the start of the study or within 1 week prior to the study,
2. History of cervical spine surgery or trauma,
3. Neck pain, including inflammatory rheumatic diseases,
4. Malignancy or structural deformity,
5. Coagulation disorders,
6. Presence of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy,
7. Individuals who have undergone any physical therapy and rehabilitation interventions to the neck and back regions in the last three months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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48 participants in 3 patient groups

Ischemic compression GROUP

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group will receive 90 seconds of ischemic compression on myofascial trigger points in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and splenius cervicis, along with exercises and suggestions for workplace modifications.

Treatment:

Other: Ischemic compression

Other: Exercise and workplace modifications

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group will receive 40 seconds of sweeping and 60 seconds of swiveling by instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on myofascial trigger points in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and splenius cervicis muscles, along with exercises and suggestions for workplace modifications.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise and workplace modifications

Other: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization Group

Control Group

Experimental group

Description:

This group will only receive exercises and suggestions for workplace modifications.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise and workplace modifications