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Completed

NCT Number: NCT03585283

Effects of Myofascial Releasing on Neck Pain in Patients With Trigger Points

Aim of this study is to investigate effectiveness of myofascial releasing on neck pain related to trigger points located on upper cervical region.

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Key information

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Neck pain is the second most common musculoskeletal pain after lumbar pain. Prevalence is 27.2% female and 17.4% in male population. Approximately 1/3 of acute onset neck aches become chronic. It causes increasing the cost of treatment and also the loss of labor.

Myofascial pain is usually considered caused by myofascial trigger points. The trigger points in the neck muscles have been associated with a possible source of referred facial and cranial pain. Mechanical neck pain is a non-radicular pain caused by local musculoskeletal structures and is characterized by a spasm of the cervical muscles. Posture, emotional stress, cold and fatigue are etiologic causes, and pain is also reflected to the cervical, occipital and scapular regions depending on the severity of muscle spasm and the presence of trigger point in myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial releasing is a specific type of passive soft tissue mobilization. Triggers points often considered as a pathology that occurs after excessive load or trauma on soft tissue which disturbs blood circulation. Fascial restriction can be found with triggers points and taut band.

In this study effects of myofascial release on triggers points will be investigated.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Non specific cervical pain
  • Symptoms should last longer than 4 weeks
  • Palpable trigger points on upper thoracic region

Exclusion criteria

  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Previous manual therapy treatment history
  • Sensory or motor function loss
  • Rheumatologic diseases
  • Structural damage on cervical spina
  • Trauma history

Treatment and study plan

Myofascial Group

Other

Manual myofascial release will be applied at prone position. Patient's upper thoracic and cervical region will be undressed. Researcher will use direct and indirect myofascial release techniques on upper thoracic and cervical region focusing on trigger point located muscles (most frequently m. trapezius)

sham group

Other

Patient's upper thoracic and cervical region will be undressed. Researcher will place his hands on points that used for myofascial release however no pressure or release techniques will be used.

Primary outcomes

  1. Assessment of Pain Pressure Threshold on Trigger Points with Algometer

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Trigger points will be located with palpation and with slight pressure most painful one will be marked. Pressure will be applied by researcher and patient will be informed to notify researcher immediately after starting to feel pain from pressure.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Neck Disability Index

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    The Neck Disability Index will be used to record perceived disability according to patients with neck pain. Neck disability index is a 10 question self administrated questionaire. Each question scored from 0-5 for a total of 50 point.

  2. Assessment of Perceived Pain on Cervical Region

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Visual analog scale (VAS) will be used to assess patients' pain while doing neck rotations. Patients will mark their perceived pain on a 10 cm horizontal line. Left side of line considered as 0 (no pain at all) and right side considered as 10 (most intense pain experienced so far).

  3. Global Rating of Change Scale-Turkish Version

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Patients global perception on effects of treatment will be assessed with a 9 aspect scale. 5 was considered as no change from the baseline and 1-4 indicate decline in symptoms and 6-9 indicate improvement.

  4. Assessment of Cervical Active Range of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

    Patients cervical flexion, lateral flexin and rotation ROM's will be assessed with a goniometer.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Myofascial Releasing on Neck Pain in Patients With Trigger Points: A Single Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2019
First posted
Jul 13, 2018
Registry last updated
Mar 21, 2019

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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