Crack or no crack: does the sound of spinal manipulation boost pain relief?

NCT ID NCT06934122

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Ayça Aytar Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether hearing a popping sound during spinal manipulation changes how much pain and disability people feel, and how satisfied they are with the treatment. 38 adults with non-specific neck and upper back pain will receive massage and spinal manipulation. Researchers will compare those who hear an audible crack versus those who don't, measuring pain and satisfaction before and 48 hours after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: spinal manipulation with massage
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help therapists understand whether the sound of a joint popping influences how much pain relief and satisfaction patients feel.
What could go wrong: This is a very small study (38 people) and only looks at short-term effects (48 hours). The results may not apply to everyone with neck pain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Neck Pain Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DISABILITY PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baskent University

Ankara, Etimesgut, 06790, Turkey (Türkiye)
Başkent University

Ankara, Ankara, 06790, Turkey (Türkiye)

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