Randomized Controlled Trial of Chiropractic Manipulation Versus Medical Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Neck Pain

• Registration Number: NCT00429624
• Lead Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether chiropractic manipulation or medical therapy is effective in the treatment of chronic neck pain.

Detailed Description

Neck pain is a common complaint, approximately 10% of the population have neck pain. Many modalities are used to treat neck pain, but no therapy has been found to be clearly superior. We conducted a randomized controlled study of chiropractic manipulation versus medical therapy for chronic neck pain.

Subjects (n=70) with neck pain for more than 3 months but with no evidence of radiculopathy or myelopathy were randomized. Both groups were instructed to do neck exercises and use heat daily. The chiropractic group received 12 standardized manipulations over 6 weeks. Nurses saw the medical group on the same visit schedule and received acetaminophen 1,000 milligrams four times a day as needed. Blinded observer performed all measurements. The primary outcome measure was the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary measures were pain via a visual analogue scale, global via Medical Outcome Study Short Form and range of motion via Cybex electronic inclinometer.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 1994-09
• Status Verified: 2007-01
• Primary Completion: 2007-01
• Study Completion: 2007-01
• Study First Submitted: 2007-01-30
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-01-31
• Study First Posted: 2007-02-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2013-02-04
• Last Update Posted: 2013-02-05

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

• Neck pain for more than 3 months

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Exclusion Criteria

• Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
• Contraindications to cervical manipulation: metastatic cancer, coagulation disorder, cervical spine abnormalities, neuromuscular disease
• Medical contraindications: uncontrolled hypertension, active coronary artery disease, history of cerebral vascular disease, alcohol or drug dependency, acetaminophen allergy
• Active litigation involving neck pain
• Medical or Chiropractic treatment within the past 3 months

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Neck Disability Index scale 0-30, clinically significant difference is a change greater than or equal to 5

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center; 🇺🇸 Denver, Colorado, United States