Simple neck moves may ease chronic pain, small study hints
NCT ID NCT07167108
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested the Mulligan technique, a type of hands-on physical therapy, for adults with chronic neck pain. 76 people aged 18 to 65 took part. Researchers measured pain and neck movement before and after treatment to see if the technique helps.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Mulligan manual therapy technique (mobilization with movement and sustained natural apophyseal glide)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this technique could offer a drug-free way to ease chronic neck pain and improve mobility.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 76 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The technique is manual therapy, so benefits depend on the therapist's skill and may not last long-term.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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76 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2025
- Finished
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Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-65 years. * Chronic mechanical neck pain (≥ 3 months). * Limited cervical range of motion (ROM). * Medically diagnosed with non-specific neck pain. * Able to attend treatment sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * Radiating pain to the upper limb. * Signs of nerve root compression or disc herniation. * History of cervical spine surgery or major trauma. * Inflammatory joint diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). * Osteoporosis or systemic medical conditions affecting bone/joint health. * Fibromyalgia or central nervous system disorders. * Contraindications to manual therapy (e.g., pacemaker, vascular disorders). * Recent physical therapy or steroid injections (within past 3-12 months). * Long-term use of corticosteroids or pain medications. * Pregnancy.
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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
Locations
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PhysioFlex - Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center-Nablus
Nablus, Nablus, +970, Palestinian Territories
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Could neck pain weaken breathing muscles? ultrasound study investigates
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