Can spinal adjustments ease neck pain? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT03576846
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how spinal manipulation and stretching affect heart rate and pain sensitivity in 131 adults with long-term neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either spinal manipulation plus stretching or stretching alone. The goal was to see if these treatments change heart rate variability and pain perception, and to develop a test that predicts who might benefit most.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
spinal manipulation and stretching exercises
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a better understanding of how spinal manipulation affects pain and heart rate in people with neck pain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study focused on measuring changes, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to new therapies or apply to all neck pain patients.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Danvik Kiropraktik och Rehab
Stockholm, Sweden
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Karolinska Institutet
Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden