The aim for this graduate student research project is to determine if cervical spinal mobilization releases similar neuropeptides and endogenous hormones as compared to cervical spinal manipulation and a control group. We hypothesized that application of cervical manipulations would result in a neuroendocrine response (SNS- HPA axis). By measuring salivary cortisol, oxytocin and DHEA, it may be possible to provide important information regarding the mechanisms and associations of pain modulation, anti-inflammatory and tissue healing after a biomechanical event.
* Participants will be completing three standardized questionnaires: The Neck Disability Index (NDI), Numeric Pain Rate Scale (NPRS), and the Global Ration of Change (GROC). These self-rated questionnaires will be used to capture the patient's level of pain, assess disability, and to quantify patient's improvement or deterioration over time, usually to either determine the effect of an intervention or to chart the clinical course of a condition. * Participants will be providing four saliva samples: Collecting biomarkers in saliva requires reliable, accurate methods for proper storage and handling techniques with high-quality assays and validated testing protocols. For this study, salivary oxytocin, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) will be collected in the morning (between 8 am and 11 am) for each participant at preintervention (baseline), and 15, 30 and 60 minutes after intervention by using self-collection kits in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for each biomarker (Salimetrics Inc). * Participants will be receiving skilled interventions: Participants will be randomly assigned by using a computer-generated randomized table of numbers created prior to the start of data collection to one of the following three groups: cervical manipulation group, cervical mobilization group, no-touch group which will be receiving postural education. Cervical Spinal Manipulation (CSM) and Cervical Spinal Mobilizations (CSMob) are common techniques utilized by healthcare professionals to treat neck pain, low back pain and its effectiveness to treat musculoskeletal pain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
High-velocity, mid-range, low amplitude force at the segment of pain and/or segmental restriction. The participant will lay comfortably in a supine position, the practitioner will then use his clinical discretion to select the most appropriate or symptomatic cervical motion segments and attempt to localize the manual thrust at those levels. A maximum of 2 attempts for each side of the cervical spine will be allowed regardless of the having achieved joint cavitation.
Participant will lay comfortably in a prone position, the practitioner will then use his clinical discretion to select the most appropriate or symptomatic cervical motion segments and attempt to localize the manual forces at those segments.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, California, United States
Neck Disability Index
Survey used to assess self-rated disability in patients with neck pain.
Time frame: change between baseline and 2 days
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
The questionnaire is used to capture the patient's level of pain by using an 11-point scale, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable).
Time frame: change between baseline and 2 days
Global Ratio of Change
This is a 15-point scale to rate the patient's own perception of improved or deteriorated function.
Time frame: change between baseline and 2 days
Salivary Biomarkers
Salivary oxytocin, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) will be collected for each participant.
Time frame: change between baseline and 15, 30 and 60 minutes after intervention.
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Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36