Brain's pain switch may predict neck pain relief

NCT ID NCT07194603

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Azusa Pacific University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looked at 31 adults with chronic mild neck pain to see if a test called conditioned pain modulation (CPM) — which measures the brain's ability to turn down pain — could predict how well they respond to a common hands-on treatment called spinal mobilization. Participants received one session of neck mobilization and were followed for 4 weeks. The goal was to understand if baseline CPM or changes in CPM after treatment are linked to improvements in pain, disability, and perceived recovery.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify which patients with chronic neck pain are most likely to benefit from spinal mobilization, leading to more personalized treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed observational study (31 participants) with no control group. Results may not apply to everyone with neck pain, and the link between pain modulation and outcomes may be weak or absent.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC NECK PAIN MUSCULOSKELETAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, California, 91702, United States

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