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Study on Chiropractic Therapy and Ibuprofen for Acute Neck Pain in Adults

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying the effects of treatments for acute neck pain. The study will explore the effectiveness of two main treatments: Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CSMT) and a medication called Ibuprofen, which is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Additionally, the study will include a comparison with a placebo treatment. The purpose of the study is to investigate how these treatments affect the intensity of neck pain during the treatment period.

Participants in the study will be divided into four groups. One group will receive CSMT, another will receive a sham or fake version of CSMT, the third group will take Ibuprofen, and the fourth group will receive a placebo. The study will monitor changes in pain levels from the start of the study to two weeks later. The study will also look at changes in pain over several days during the treatment period and at various points after the treatment has ended.

The study aims to provide insights into which treatment is most effective in reducing pain for individuals experiencing acute neck pain. By comparing the different groups, researchers hope to better understand the benefits and effectiveness of CSMT and Ibuprofen in managing this condition.

The research process

The trial runs in 4 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Joining the study

    Upon joining the study, participants are assigned to one of four groups. Each group receives a different treatment for acute neck pain.

    The treatments include chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT), sham manipulation, ibuprofen medication, or placebo medication.

  2. Step 2

    Treatment administration

    Participants in the ibuprofen group receive 600 mg film-coated tablets. The medication is taken orally.

    The frequency and duration of ibuprofen administration are determined by the study protocol.

  3. Step 3

    Monitoring and assessment

    Participants' pain intensity is measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10.

    The primary assessment occurs from baseline to day 14, with additional assessments on days 2 to 13, and post-treatment on days 7, 28, 56, 84, and 168.

  4. Step 4

    Completion of the study

    The study is estimated to conclude by December 31, 2024.

    Participants' data will contribute to understanding the efficacy of the treatments for acute neck pain.

Who can join the trial?

8 criteria

  • Participants must be between 18 and 59 years old.
  • Participants should have **acute non-radicular neck pain**, which means neck pain that does not spread to other parts of the body, and is classified as grade 1 or 2 by a specific task force on neck pain.
  • The current episode of neck pain must have started within the last 2 weeks before the first chiropractic visit.
  • The pain intensity should be moderate, severe, or very severe, which means a score of 4 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10.
  • Participants should have been pain-free for at least four weeks in a row before the current episode of neck pain.
  • Participants should not have been treated by a chiropractor in the past 3 months.
  • Participants must agree not to seek other manual (hands-on) or drug treatments for their neck pain during the study period.
  • Participants must be non-pregnant women. If there is any doubt, a negative pregnancy test is required before joining the study.

Who cannot join the trial?

7 criteria

  • Patients who are under 18 years old cannot participate.
  • Patients who have any other serious health conditions that might interfere with the study cannot participate.
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate.
  • Patients who have had recent surgery on the neck cannot participate.
  • Patients who are currently taking other medications that might affect the study cannot participate.
  • Patients who have a history of allergic reactions to the study medications cannot participate.
  • Patients who are unable to follow the study procedures cannot participate.
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Investigated drugs

  • Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy (CSMT)

    is a hands-on treatment where a chiropractor uses their hands to apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine. The goal is to improve spinal motion and improve the body's physical function. In this trial, CSMT is being tested to see how effective it is in reducing the intensity of acute neck pain.

  • NSAIDs

    (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a class of medications that reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. They are commonly used to relieve pain from various conditions, including acute neck pain. In this trial, NSAIDs are being evaluated for their effectiveness in decreasing the intensity of neck pain during the treatment period.

What is already known about the treatment

Ibuprofen – Ibuprofen is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or capsules. It is widely recognized in medical literature as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. The main therapeutic indication for ibuprofen in this context is the management of acute neck pain. At the molecular level, ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins, substances that mediate inflammation and pain. It is classified pharmacologically as an NSAID.

Investigated diseases

Acute Neck Pain – Acute neck pain is a sudden onset of discomfort or pain in the neck area, often resulting from muscle strain, poor posture, or injury. It can cause stiffness, limited range of motion, and tenderness in the neck muscles. The pain may radiate to the shoulders or upper back and can be accompanied by headaches. Typically, acute neck pain develops quickly and can last from a few days to a few weeks. It may be exacerbated by certain movements or positions, such as turning the head or looking down for extended periods. The condition is common and can affect individuals of all ages.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2023-509624-17-00Estimated enrolment240 patientsSponsorAkershus University Hospital

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

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On this site, “treatment” means an investigational medicine being studied in a clinical trial. Its safety and efficacy for the use being studied have not yet been confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator medicine, and taking part does not guarantee any health benefit. The decision to take part is made by the doctor at the research site. This site is for information only and does not replace medical advice.

This service is not affiliated with the European Commission, the EMA, or the official CTIS system. Most information comes from publicly available international clinical-trial registries, supplemented by data from academic sites, national regulators and commercial sponsors. On this site, “treatment” and “therapy” mean a medicine being tested in a clinical trial. Its safety and effectiveness in the use being studied are not yet confirmed, some participants may receive a placebo or a comparator, and taking part does not guarantee a health benefit. The doctor at the research site decides who can take part. This site provides information, not medical advice. Certain content and visual elements on this website have been generated or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI).