Mechanical Neck PainNCT07907809
Effects of Mobilization With and Without Suboccipital Muscle Release on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Mechanical Neck Pain
A study testing SNAGs and Suboccipital Muscle Release in people with Mechanical Neck Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides): SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- SNAGs and Suboccipital Muscle Release
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 25 Oct 2026to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Both gender Male and female. Participants aged 18-45 years. Participants with Neck Disability Index (NDI) ranging from 15 to 24. Participants with a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) ranging from 4 to 6. Tenderness on palpation of the cervical region. Symptoms that become worse when the neck is moved or held in a certain position for a long time.
Who cannot join
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy History of whiplash, Malignancy, inflammatory joint disorders, muscular disease, infections, tuberculosis, or other significant diseases of the cervical spine including carcinoma, cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis.
- Vertigo and cervicogenic headache. History of heat allergy or allergic reactions to heat treatments, such as hot pack application.
- Participants with psychiatric conditions, including phobias, depression, balance disorders, and psychotic problems.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) With and Without Suboccipital Muscle Release on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Mechanical Neck Pain
SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides): SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion.
Suboccipital Muscle Release: Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility.
Neck Isometric Exercises: Neck isometric exercises will be performed by applying gentle resistance against head movements in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation without actual movement of the neck. These exercises will aim to improve neck muscle strength and stability.
- Conditions
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- Being tested
- SNAGs, Suboccipital Muscle Release
- Keywords
- Mechanical neck pain, Sustained Natural Apophyseal glides, suboccipital release, range of motion, functional disability
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
SNAGsOther
SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion.
Suboccipital Muscle ReleaseOther
Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) | Active comparator | SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. Receives: Other: SNAGs |
| Suboccipital Muscle Release | Active comparator | Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility. Receives: Other: Suboccipital Muscle Release |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS):
Pain levels will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). This is an 11-point scale in which 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. Scores of 1-3 will indicate mild pain, 4-6 will indicate moderate pain, and 7-10 will indicate severe pain.
Measured: baseline and 6 weeks
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess neck-related disability. It is a questionnaire comprising ten items covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreational activities. Each item will be scored from 0 to 5, with a maximum total score of 50. Higher scores will indicate greater disability, ranging from no disability to complete disability.
Measured: baseline and 6 weeks
Clinometer
Cervical range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using an Android smartphone application called Clinometer. The active range of motion of the cervical spine will be measured in flexion, extension, right and left side bending, and right and left rotation. Each participant will observe a brief demonstration of the six cervical movements while seated in a chair before measurement. Three measurements will be taken for each movement, and the average value will be recorded.
Measured: baseline and 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Oct 2026
- Study start25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Mechanical Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides): SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. Suboccipital Muscle Release: Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility.Neck Isometric Exercises: Neck isometric exercises will be performed by applying gentle resistance against head movements in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation without actual movement of the neck. These exercises will aim to improve neck muscle strength and stability.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07907809
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RE-153-2026
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) With and Without Suboccipital Muscle Release on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Mechanical Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07907809
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RE-153-2026
- Conditions
- Mechanical Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Mechanical neck pain, Sustained Natural Apophyseal glides, suboccipital release, range of motion, functional disability
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Management and Technology LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides): SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion.
Suboccipital Muscle Release: Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility.
Neck Isometric Exercises: Neck isometric exercises will be performed by applying gentle resistance against head movements in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation without actual movement of the neck. These exercises will aim to improve neck muscle strength and stability.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides): SNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. Suboccipital Muscle Release: Suboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility.Neck Isometric Exercises: Neck isometric exercises will be performed by applying gentle resistance against head movements in flexion, extension, and right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation without actual movement of the neck. These exercises will aim to improve neck muscle strength and stability.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) | Active comparator | Other: SNAGsSNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. |
| Suboccipital Muscle Release | Active comparator | Other: Suboccipital Muscle ReleaseSuboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Both gender Male and female. Participants aged 18-45 years. Participants with Neck Disability Index (NDI) ranging from 15 to 24. Participants with a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) ranging from 4 to 6. Tenderness on palpation of the cervical region. Symptoms that become worse when the neck is moved or held in a certain position for a long time.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy History of whiplash, Malignancy, inflammatory joint disorders, muscular disease, infections, tuberculosis, or other significant diseases of the cervical spine including carcinoma, cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis.
- Vertigo and cervicogenic headache. History of heat allergy or allergic reactions to heat treatments, such as hot pack application.
- Participants with psychiatric conditions, including phobias, depression, balance disorders, and psychotic problems.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| SNAGsSNAGs will be performed by applying a sustained passive glide to the cervical vertebra while the patient actively performs the restricted neck movement. This technique will aim to reduce neck pain and improve cervical range of motion. | Other | SNAGs (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides) |
| Suboccipital Muscle ReleaseSuboccipital muscle release will be performed by applying gentle, sustained pressure to the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull in supine lying to reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve cervical mobility | Other | Suboccipital Muscle Release |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS):
Time frame: baseline and 6 weeks
Pain levels will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). This is an 11-point scale in which 0 represents no pain and 10 represents the worst possible pain. Scores of 1-3 will indicate mild pain, 4-6 will indicate moderate pain, and 7-10 will indicate severe pain.
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
Time frame: baseline and 6 weeks
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to assess neck-related disability. It is a questionnaire comprising ten items covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreational activities. Each item will be scored from 0 to 5, with a maximum total score of 50. Higher scores will indicate greater disability, ranging from no disability to complete disability.
Clinometer
Time frame: baseline and 6 weeks
Cervical range of motion (ROM) will be assessed using an Android smartphone application called Clinometer. The active range of motion of the cervical spine will be measured in flexion, extension, right and left side bending, and right and left rotation. Each participant will observe a brief demonstration of the six cervical movements while seated in a chair before measurement. Three measurements will be taken for each movement, and the average value will be recorded.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Oct 2026.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing SNAGs and Suboccipital Muscle Release in people with Mechanical Neck Pain, run by University of Management and Technology Lahore at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS): (time frame: baseline and 6 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.