Immediate Effects Cervicothoracic Manipulation Versus Passive Upper Trapezius Stretch

Effects of Cervicothoracic Manipulation and Passive Stretching to the Upper Trapezius Muscle on Pressure Pain Thresholds and Cervical Range of Motion on Healthy Individuals

The proposed project seeks to evaluate the influence of cervicothoracic (CT) manipulation and passive stretching to the upper trapezius on pressure pain thresholds and range of motion (ROM) in individuals without recent complain of neck pain.

Not needed

Inclusion Criteria:

1. No current history or past history of neck pain; able to lie on back or stomach without difficulty

Exclusion Criteria:

1. 'Red flag' items indicated in your Neck Medical Screening Questionnaire such as history of a tumor, bone fracture, metabolic diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis, osteoporosis, severe atherosclerosis, prolonged history of steroid use, etc.
2. History of neck whiplash injury
3. Diagnosis from your physician of cervical spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal) or presence of symptoms (pain, pins and needles, numbness) down both arms
4. Presence of central nervous system involvement such as exaggerated reflexes, changes in sensation in the hands, muscle wasting in the hands, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, and presence of abnormal reflexes
5. Evidence of neurological signs consistent with nerve root entrapment (pinched nerve in the neck)
6. Prior surgery to your neck or upper back
7. A medical condition which may influence assessment of pain or pressure pain thresholds (i.e. taking analgesics, sedatives, history of substance abuse, or cognitive deficiency)
8. Diagnosis from your physician of fibromyalgia syndrome
9. Currently pregnant, or could be pregnant