Thoracic Manipulation and Mobilization for Neck Pain

CHANGES IN PRESSURE PAIN SENSITIVITY AND NECK PAIN AFTER THORACIC THRUST MANIPULATION OR NON-THRUST MOBILIZATION IN PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL NECK PAIN

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to examine the widespread effects of thoracic spine thrust manipulation and thoracic non-thrust mobilization on pressure pain sensitivity and neck pain intensity in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mechanical idiopathic neck pain
• bilateral pain symptoms
• chronic pain (>3 months of duration)

Exclusion Criteria:

• whiplash injury
• previous spine surgery
• diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
• diagnosis of fibromyalgia
• having undergone any physical therapy intervention in the previous year
• pregnancy