Comparing three treatments for chronic neck pain
Part of Brain & nervous system, Pain clinical trials.
This trial compares three therapies—integrated neuromuscular inhibition, dry cupping, and dry needling—to see which works best for long-lasting mechanical neck pain. It may help if you have had neck pain for over six months with trigger points in your upper shoulder muscle.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have had neck pain for more than 6 months
- Your pain comes from a muscle knot (trigger point) in the upper shoulder area that feels like a tight band with a sore spot
- You have not had physical therapy for your neck in the last 3 months
- You do not have other neck problems like fractures, surgery history, disc issues, fibromyalgia, or infections
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests whether combining a muscle-relaxation technique with cupping therapy is more effective than either alone for treating chronic neck pain caused by muscle knots in the upper trapezius. Participants must have had these knots for more than 6 months.
This trial tests whether magnesium sulfate iontophoresis (a method that uses a mild electrical current to deliver medicine through the skin) or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (sound waves applied to the neck) works better for long-term neck pain caused by trigger points in the upper shoulder muscle.
This study tests whether adding a special muscle-relaxing technique (called neuromuscular inhibition) to standard neck-strengthening exercises helps relieve chronic neck pain better than exercises alone. It is for adults with tender knots in the upper shoulder muscle.
This study compares two types of hands-on therapy for people with long-lasting neck pain (more than 3 months). One is a gentle, sustained movement of the neck joints, and the other is a deep-tissue massage using a tool. The goal is to see which one works better to reduce pain and improve movement.
This study tests two hands-on treatments for long-lasting neck pain: a gentle gliding movement called Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) and a soft-tissue release technique called Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). If you have had neck pain for more than 3 months, this trial may help find which method works better for you.
This study compares two non-needle treatments for recent neck pain: a mild electrical current applied to the skin (called TENS) versus a treatment where a thin needle is inserted into the painful muscle knot (dry needling). Both aim to relieve pain and improve movement.
Hear when a new Mechanical Neck Pain trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.