NCT07266610

Effects of Neck Stabilizers Retraining on Chronic Neck Pain

Effects of Deep Neck Stabilizers Retraining With Pressure Biofeedback on Cervical Pain, Range of Motion and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 70 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 30 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of deep neck stabilizers retraining with pressure biofeedback on cervical range of motion, pain, and temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain. Participants will receive biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining in one group, while the other group will perform conventional exercises. The neurological connection between the TMJ and neck means that therapies such as neck flexion exercises and biofeedback can alleviate neck pain and jaw issues.

Detailed description

Chronic neck pain is increasingly affecting young adults in Pakistan. This rise is linked to poor posture, being overweight, aging, and various other factors. Weakness in deep neck muscles can affect neck stability. The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) is useful for evaluating and engaging these muscles. The jaw joint (Temporomandibular joint) and the neck are closely connected through shared nerves. Therefore, problems in the neck can lead to jaw issues (pain and difficulty moving the jaw). Using biofeedback to train deep neck muscles helps improve muscle control, posture, and reduces stress on surface and jaw muscles, easing TMJ symptoms. However, many studies on deep neck stabilizer (DNS) exercises don't focus on jaw problems. This study utilizes pressure biofeedback to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce jaw tension by promoting better neck posture.

Conditions

• Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
• Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining	The experimental group will receive deep neck stabilizer training with pressure biofeedback and traditional exercises for six weeks, three times weekly.
OTHER	Conventional exercises	The control group will engage in a traditional exercise program for 6 weeks, meeting three times weekly

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-11-28
• Primary completion: 2026-05-28
• Completion: 2026-05-28
• First posted: 2025-12-05
• Last updated: 2025-12-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan