Can massage and exercise fix headaches from neck problems?
NCT ID NCT07168512
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether myofascial release (a type of massage) alone or combined with neck exercises can improve spine alignment, sleep, and mood in people with cervicogenic headache—headaches caused by neck issues. About 100 adults aged 20-55 with this diagnosis will be enrolled. The goal is to see if these treatments can ease symptoms and improve daily life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- myofascial release therapy and neck exercises
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a non-drug treatment option for cervicogenic headache that improves spine alignment and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with no blinding or placebo control, so results may not be conclusive or widely applicable.
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
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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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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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20 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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 20-55 years. * Clinical diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria (headache attributed to cervical disorder). Exclusion Criteria: * History of major cervical spine pathology such as fracture, dislocation, congenital malformation, tumor, infection, or inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis). * Previous cervical spine surgery or fusion at any level. * Red flag symptoms indicating serious pathology (e.g., progressive neurological deficit, unexplained weight loss, fever, history of cancer). * Systemic or neurological disorders that may affect neck function or headache (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease). * Severe osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease that contraindicates cervical X-ray imaging. * Vascular disorders such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency or carotid artery disease. * Pregnancy or breastfeeding (due to radiation exposure during cervical radiography). * Unstable psychiatric conditions (e.g., severe depression, psychosis) that may interfere with participation or adherence. * Recent physiotherapy or manual therapy targeting the cervical region within the past 6 weeks, or planned during the study outside the protocol. * Use of botulinum toxin or steroid injections to the neck or head region in the past 6 months. * Contraindications to manual therapy or exercise (e.g., acute cervical disc herniation, severe myelopathy, unstable cardiovascular disease). * Inability to understand study procedures, comply with treatment sessions, or provide informed consent. * Symptoms of migraine, tension-type headache (TTH), or any other headache apart from cervicogenic headache.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
3 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ministry of Health
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGGaza, Palestinian Territories
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Naser Medical Complex
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGGaza, Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories
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Naser medical Complex, Al shifa hospital
RECRUITINGGaza, Palestinian Territories