New study aims to match neck pain patients with the right treatment faster

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18 to 70 * Primary complaint of neck pain with or without unilateral upper extremity symptoms * Neck Disability Index (NDI) score of 10 or greater * Numeric Pain Rating Scale score of 2 or greater Exclusion Criteria: * History of whiplash injury within the past 6 weeks * Diagnosis of cervical spinal stenosis * Bilateral upper extremity symptoms * Red flags noted in the patient's Neck Medical Screening Questionnaire (i.e. tumor, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, severe atherosclerosis, dizziness, diplopia, drop attacks, bilateral numbness, nausea, prolonged history of steroid use) * Evidence of central nervous system involvement, to include hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, the presence of pathological reflexes (i.e. positive Hoffman's and/or Babinski reflexes) * Two or more positive neurological signs consistent with significant nerve root compression, including any two of the following: 1. Muscle weakness involving a major muscle group of the upper extremity 2. Diminished upper extremity muscle stretch reflex (biceps, triceps, or brachioradialis) 3. Diminished or absent sensation to pinprick or light touch in any upper extremity dermatome * Prior neck surgery * Current pregnancy, pregnancy within 6 months, or currently lactating * Pending legal action pertaining to their neck pain * Currently receiving manual therapy treatment for neck pain through chiropractic or physical therapy care * Inability to read English at the 8th grade reading level * Inability to legally provide informed consent for any other reason * Inability to comply with the treatment and follow-up schedule