Effects of Thoracic Spine Manipulation With and Without Costovertebral Joint Manipulation in Patients Mid-back Pain

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Back Pain

• Registration Number: NCT07063992
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief Summary

Mid-back pain (mbp) is defined as pain occurring within the limits of the third thoracic (T3) and ninth thoracic (T9) vertebrae, caused by the dysfunction of the musculoskeletal structures in the thoracic spine. It can present as pain and/or burning between the shoulder blades with reduced thoracic spine mobility and increased muscle tension. Congenital disorders such as scoliosis and Scheuermann's disease, or acquired disorders such as thoracic facet and costovertebral joint dysfunction may cause mid back pain.

Detailed Description

Participants aged 18-45 years with non-specific mid-back pain will be randomly assigned to receive either thoracic spine manipulation alone or in combination with costovertebral joint manipulation. Primary outcomes will include pain intensity measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while secondary outcomes will involve thoracic spine range of motion measured by Bubble Inclinometer, and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Statistical analysis will be performed using the statistical software IBM SPSS Statistics SPSS 25.0 for calculations. This study aims to provide evidence-based insights into the relative benefits of these manual therapy techniques, potentially informing clinical practice and enhancing treatment outcomes for patients with non-specific mid-back pain.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study Start: 2025-07-01
• Study First Submitted: 2025-07-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-14
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-14
• Primary Completion: 2025-10
• Study Completion: 2025-10-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 34

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants will be between 18 - 45 years of age
• For this study, mid-back pain included all the following signs and symptoms:
• Sharp, shooting, or aching mid-back pain
• Mid back pain experienced during deep inspiration, sneezing, and/or coughing

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals who did not sign or understand the letter of informed consent
• Individuals with contraindications to manipulation in the thoracic spine (15)
• Weakened bone due to: Osteoporosis, Infection and Neoplasm

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Oswestry Disability Index	upto 4 weeks	The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is an index derived from the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire used by clinicians and researchers to quantify disability for low back pain and quality of life. Oswestry Disability Index. Purpose. used to qualify low back pain.
Bubble Inclinometer	upto 4 weeks	A bubble inclinometer is a simple, handheld device used to measure the angle of inclination or tilt of a surface. In the context of thoracic spine assessments, it is particularly useful for quantifying the range of motion and curvature of the spine.
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)	upto 4 weeks	The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is perhaps the most frequently applied scale used to quantify pain intensity in the clinical setting. It is an 11-point numeric scale, ranging from 0 indicating no pain to 10 indicating worst pain imaginable

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sehat Medical Complex; 🇵🇰 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan