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

NCT ID NCT06690411

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

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.

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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.

CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Sefakoy Medipol University Hospital

Istanbul, Istanbul, 34295, Turkey (Türkiye)

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