Massage vs. joint adjustment: which eases neck headaches best?

NCT ID NCT06690411

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

Summary

This study tested two gentle manual therapies—myofascial release (a massage-like technique) and Mulligan SNAG (a joint repositioning method)—in 40 adults with cervicogenic headache, a headache stemming from neck problems. Participants received one of the therapies three times a week for four weeks. Researchers measured changes in headache impact, hand grip strength, pain, and daily function to see which approach works better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

manual therapy (myofascial release and Mulligan SNAG techniques)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward effective non-drug options for managing cervicogenic headache pain and disability.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Manual therapy effects can vary and may not last long-term.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Headache Post-Traumatic Headache

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sefakoy Medipol University Hospital

    Istanbul, Istanbul, 34295, Turkey (Türkiye)