Crack or no crack: does the sound of spinal manipulation boost pain relief?
NCT ID NCT06934122
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Baskent University
Ankara, Etimesgut, 06790, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Başkent University
Ankara, Ankara, 06790, Turkey (Türkiye)