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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05777408

Additional Effect of Cranial Base Release on Cervical Range and Proprioception in Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain

Mechanical Neck pain is the second most commonly occurring musculoskeletal disorder worldwide, ranking 4th in overall disability. It is referred to as Nonspecific generalized neck pain with mechanical characteristics with a primary location between the supranuchal line and the first thoracic spinous process, includingpatients suffering from mechanical neck pain are reported to have several impairments, including pain, reduced cervical ROM, neck disability, and proprioceptive dysfunction. The treatment indicated involves the use of electrotherapy and thermal modalities. In addition, the use of different manual therapy techniques is advocated; however, the most effective management is still debatable. Evidence suggests that Natural Apophyseal glides have a significant positive effect on mechanical neck pain patients. So the study will identify the additional effect of cranial base release with natural apophyseal glides in alleviating pain and its effects on proprioception.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Rawalpindi, Punjab Province, 46000, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients diagnosed with mechanical neck pain having reproducible non-specific neck pain with a primary location between the supranuchal line and the first thoracic spinous process
  • Male and Female
  • Age 18-40 years
  • Pain severity on NPRS >3
  • Neck Disability score of 20% or above
  • Problem not older than 2 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with history of
  • Recent significant trauma (including whiplash)
  • Radiculopathy
  • Cervical fracture
  • Neck surgery
  • Dizziness, vertigo
  • Myelopathy, Malignancy
  • Metabolic disease
  • Diagnosed Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Long-term corticosteroid and/or painkiller drug use

Treatment and study plan

Conventional Physical Therapy

Procedure
  • 15 mins of TENS (frequency 100 Hz, phase duration 50 μs) with moist heat over the area of pain
  • Isomeric Stretching of neck muscles followed by neck isometrics

Natural Apophyseal glides

Procedure

-Will be applied in sitting position Therapist right hand would cradle the head such that the little finger would rest on the spinous process of the vertebra that is to be mobilized. The other hands thumb would be used to apply over pressure. Direction of force will be parallel to highly irritable-grossly restricted cervical facet joints. Intervention would involve 3 sets of 20 repetitions in 15minutes, 3 days a week for 2 weeks comprising of total 6 session.

Cranial Base Release

Procedure

Will be performed in lying position. therapist fingers will contact the sub occipital muscles and upward pressure would be given until the tissues and muscles relax. it will be given once daily for 3 days a week and will continue for 2 weeks

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Pain will be measured on Numeric Pain Rating Scale.

  2. Change in ROM

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Cervical rotation will be measured through CROM device

  3. Change in Cervical Proprioception

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Will be measured from Laser Pointer Method

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Mar 21, 2023
Registry last updated
Aug 14, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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