Can targeted pressure and simple exercises ease stubborn neck pain?
NCT ID NCT07685418
First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether a technique called ischemic compression—where a therapist applies gradual pressure to tender spots in neck muscles—combined with a home exercise program can reduce pain and improve quality of life in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Half of the 52 participants will receive both the pressure treatment and exercises, while the other half will do exercises only. The goal is to see if the combination offers better relief than exercise alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ischemic compression (manual pressure on trigger points)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this combined approach could offer a simple, non-drug way to manage chronic neck pain and improve daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 52 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment may cause temporary discomfort and might not outperform home exercise alone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 52 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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17 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged between 18 and 65 years. * Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months. * Diagnosis of non-specific neck pain for at least 3 months. * Voluntarily agreeing to participate and signing the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of specific causes of neck pain (cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, tumor, infection, rheumatic diseases, etc.). * Having undergone surgical intervention in the neck region within the last 6 months. * History of neurological disease. * History of surgery in the cervical or thoracic vertebrae. * Presence of impaired skin integrity in the application area.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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SZ Clinic Physical Therapy, Dietetics and Health Services Center
RECRUITINGIstanbul, Bakırköy, 34140, Turkey (Türkiye)
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