Massage your back to ease your neck? new study tests the idea

NCT ID NCT06256016

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Alcala Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether adding massage to the upper back muscles helps people with chronic neck pain more than neck therapy alone. Sixty adults with neck pain lasting over three months were split into two groups: one received neck therapy plus back massage, the other only neck therapy. Researchers measured pain levels and daily function to see if the extra massage made a difference.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: massage therapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more effective, drug-free way to manage chronic neck pain by including the upper back in treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The benefit of adding massage may be small or no better than standard care.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Neck Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

NECK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Physioterapy and Pain center research

Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28805, Spain

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