Can spinal adjustments ease neck pain? new study investigates

NCT ID NCT03576846

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Karolinska Institutet Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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

Danvik Kiropraktik och Rehab

Stockholm, Sweden
Karolinska Institutet

Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden

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