Upper back crack may cure neck pain, study hints

NCT ID NCT06926738

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Cairo University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether a hands-on adjustment of the upper back (thoracic spine) can reduce pain and improve neck movement in people with chronic neck pain. 42 adults with neck pain for at least 3 months received either the real adjustment or a fake (sham) version. Researchers measured pain levels, neck range of motion, and muscle activity right after treatment and over two weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Upper thoracic spine manipulation (a hands-on technique to adjust joints in the upper back)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free option to ease chronic neck pain and improve neck movement.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with only 42 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be short-term or no better than a sham procedure.

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.

CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

CairoU

Giza, 12611, Egypt
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University

Giza, 12611, Egypt

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