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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01962090

Comparison of Two Thoracic Manipulation Techniques to Improve Neck Pain in Dentistry Students

This study is designed to compare the short term effects of two different thoracic spine thrust manipulation techniques on neck range of motion, pain, and self-reported disability in a sample of dental students experiencing neck pain.

The hypothesis of the study is that there will be a difference between the two thoracic spine thrust manipulation techniques for short term effects on neck range of motion, pain, and self-reported disability in a sample of dental students experiencing neck pain.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

22 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

A. T. Still University

Mesa, Arizona, 85206, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Current student at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) at A. T. Still University
  • Primary complaint of neck pain with or without symptoms that spread down into one arm
  • Overall rating of neck pain intensity is at least 3/10; the overall rating is the overall average of the participant's rating of current, least, and worst pain experienced over the previous 24 hours on separate numeric pain rating scales where 0 corresponds to "no pain" and 10 corresponds to "worst pain possible".
  • Neck Disability Index (NDI) score > 10 points (measure of self-reported disability with a 0 to 50 point scale where higher scores indicate higher levels of disability.
  • Proficient in speaking and reading English to complete outcome questionnaires

Exclusion criteria

  • Neck pain related to a motor vehicle accident or other trauma within the previous 6 weeks
  • Neck pain that spreads down into both arms
  • Low back pain or thoracic origin of pain
  • Nerve root involvement; defined as the presence of two or more neurological findings (e.g. decreased strength, diminished deep tendon reflex, or decreased sensation) at the same nerve root level
  • Diagnosis of cervical spine stenosis (narrowing of the central canal that contains the spinal cord)
  • History of spinal tumors, spinal infection, cervical spine fracture, or previous neck surgery
  • Pending legal action related to current episode of neck pain
  • Contraindications to thoracic spine thrust manipulation
  • serious pathologies or conditions (tumor, fracture, metabolic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, history of prolonged steroid use)
  • hyperreflexia
  • unsteadiness during gait
  • Nystagmus
  • Loss of visual acuity
  • Impaired sensation of the face
  • Altered taste
  • The presence of pathological reflexes
  • pregnancy or considering pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Thoracic Spine Thrust in Seated Position

Other

The thoracic spine manipulation used here is a manipulation technique that involves positioning the patient so that a small amplitude quick stretch can be applied to the least mobile area of the thoracic spine as identified by the licensed physical therapist during spinal segmental mobility testing.

Thoracic Spine Thrust in Supine Position

Other

The thoracic spine manipulation used here is a manipulation technique that involves positioning the patient so that a small amplitude quick stretch can be applied to the least mobile area of the thoracic spine as identified by the licensed physical therapist during spinal segmental mobility testing.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Neck Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Collected at baseline assessment during initial visit before 1st treatment, one week later before 2nd treatment, and one week later at follow-up appointment - total of 2- 3 weeks anticipated

    Each participant's neck pain intensity will be assessed by use of the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS of 0-10)

  2. Change in Neck Range of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: Collected at baseline assessment during initial visit before 1st treatment, one week later before 2nd treatment, and one week later at follow-up appointment - total of 2- 3 weeks anticipated

    Neck range of motion will be measured by a licensed Physical Therapist

  3. Change in Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Collected at baseline assessment during initial visit before 1st treatment, one week later before 2nd treatment, and one week later at follow-up appointment - total of 2- 3 weeks anticipated

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a self-reported measure of disability consisting of a 0-50 point scale where higher scores indicate higher levels of disability

  4. Change in Shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire (QuickDASH)

    Time frame: Collected at baseline assessment during initial visit before 1st treatment, one week later before 2nd treatment, and one week later at follow-up appointment - total of 2- 3 weeks anticipated

    The shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire is a self-report measure of function that can assess how neck pain may be impacting daily activities that require use of the upper limb

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Comparison of Two Thoracic Manipulation Techniques to Improve Neck Pain in Dentistry Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2013
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2015
First posted
Oct 14, 2013
Registry last updated
Nov 13, 2018

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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