Brief Summary

This study will test whether one session of therapeutic ultrasound can immediately reduce muscle stiffness and pain in adults with neck pain. Participants aged 18-50 years who report neck pain of at least 3 out of 10 will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) active ultrasound or (2) sham ultrasound. Both groups will receive the same 10-minute procedure with the probe moved slowly over the painful neck muscles; however, the sham device will not deliver ultrasound energy. Before and right after the session, we will measure passive muscle stiffness at standard points on the neck and shoulder muscles using a handheld device and will record pain intensity on a 0-10 scale. We will also record the Neck Disability Index on the same day. The main question is whether active ultrasound produces a larger immediate decrease in muscle stiffness than sham. We will also examine changes in pain and neck function. The session is performed by trained physiotherapists in a clinic setting. Potential risks are minimal (such as temporary warmth or mild skin redness). There is no cost to participate. Results may help guide safe, non-drug treatment options for neck pain.

Conditions

• Neck Pain

Intervention / Treatment

• Device: Therapeutic Ultrasound
• Device: Sham Ultrasound

Primary Outcome Measures

• Change in passive cervical muscle stiffness (Baseline (pre-treatment) to immediately after the single 20-minute session (same visit))
  Dynamic stiffness (N/m) recorded with a handheld myotonometer at predefined points (sternocleidomastoid; upper/middle/lower trapezius; cervical extensors). Each site measured 3 taps and averaged; the limb-side with greater baseline pain is prioritized. Higher values indicate greater stiffness. Primary analysis compares between-group difference in change scores, adjusted for baseline.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Locations and Investigators

• Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye)