A Comparison of Two Thoracic Manipulation Techniques to Improve Neck Pain in Dentistry Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial.
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 7
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Study Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Single Group
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 22 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- No
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
- •Loss of visual acuity
- •Impaired sensation of the face
- •Altered taste
- •The presence of pathological reflexes
- •pregnancy or considering pregnancy
Arms & Interventions
Thoracic Spine Thrust in Seated Position
Thoracic spine thrust manipulation will be applied two times at each of two treatment sessions while the participant is in a seated position.
Intervention: Thoracic Spine Thrust in Seated Position (Other)
Thoracic Spine Thrust in Supine Position
Thoracic spine thrust manipulation will be applied two times at each of two treatment sessions while the participant is in the supine position.
Intervention: Thoracic Spine Thrust in Supine Position (Other)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
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
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
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
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)
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported