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ENROLLING BY INVITATION
NCT07830836
NA

Physiotherapy and Osteopathic Treatment for Pain in the Cervical and Lumbar Spine and Temporomandibular Joints

Sponsor: Poznan University of Physical Education

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

Study Summary: Effectiveness of Physiotherapy and Osteopathy in Treating Spinal and Temporomandibular Joint Pain About the Study and Its Objective This study is conducted by Artur Hołodniuk, MSc, a physiotherapist and academic lecturer. The primary goal of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness of various manual and physical techniques in treating pain in the spine (cervical and lumbar regions) and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The therapy aims to reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as discopathy or degenerative changes. Who Can Benefit from Participation? The project is addressed to individuals struggling with: pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back, pain in the masseter and temporal muscles, limited jaw mobility, as well as headaches and gluteal pain, tension resulting from a sedentary lifestyle or physical strain. Phase One: Comprehensive Diagnostics Before therapy begins, each participant undergoes a series of modern and safe measurements for a multi-dimensional health analysis: Myotomy: An objective assessment of selected muscle tension. Stabilometric Platform: Analysis of body posture and balance control. Jaw Grip Strength: Checking the functional performance of the stomatognathic system. Diaphragm Research Belt: Evaluating respiratory and stabilizing functions of the diaphragm. Fukuda Test: Assessing vestibular function and spatial orientation. Questionnaires: Standardized tools to determine pain intensity, sleep quality, and the impact of symptoms on daily life. Phase Two: Applied Treatment Methods The study utilizes six main forms of support, tailored individually to the patient's needs: General Osteopathic Treatment (GOT): A holistic manual approach involving gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue work to restore the body's functional balance and range of motion. Visceral Therapy: Precise, gentle manual work with the internal organs of the chest and abdomen to improve their mobility and reduce tensions transmitted to the spine. Pulsed Magnetic Field: 30-minute treatments using low-frequency fields to achieve analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and edema-reducing effects. Positional Placement: Adopting specifically selected body positions using bolsters or pillows to offload painful structures and promote relaxation. External Stabilization: The use of a cervical collar or lumbar corset for temporary stabilization and offloading of the spine, protecting tissues while preventing secondary muscle weakness. Safety and Contraindications All applied techniques are non-invasive. Before starting, the therapist conducts a detailed interview to exclude contraindications, such as: acute inflammation, infections with fever, fresh injuries, or fractures, active cancer or advanced osteoporosis, electronic implants like pacemakers (specifically for magnetic field therapy), high-risk pregnancy. Possible Reactions: Following therapy, temporary reactions may occur, such as fatigue, tissue tenderness, sleepiness, or a short-term increase in pain, which typically subside quickly. Important Information for Participants Voluntary Participation: Participation is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any stage without providing a reason. Insurance: Participants are covered by appropriate civil liability insurance for the duration of the study. Privacy: Personal data (name, age, weight) is protected and used solely for identification purposes within the research project. Contact Information Individuals interested in participating or seeking further clarification may contact the lead researcher directly: Phone: 796 947 765 E-mail: arturholodniuk@o2.pl

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

20 Years - 40 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

300

Start Date

2026-02-01

Completion Date

2031-10-01

Last Updated

2026-09-21

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Interventions

OTHER

General Osteopathic Treatment

The GOT intervention is performed in the supine position, with the patient relaxed and breathing calmly. After a brief palpatory assessment of tissue tension in the neck, shoulder girdle, and pelvis, the therapist begins rhythmic mobilization of the upper limbs as well as the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. This is followed by alternating movements resembling a gait pattern, which help unload the shoulder girdle and reduce tension in the cervical spine, as well as indirectly in the temporomandibular joint region. The next stage involves gentle mobilization of the cervical spine, including flexion, extension, rotation, lateral flexion, and light traction synchronized with exhalation. In the following part, the therapist mobilizes the pelvis, hips, and lower limbs through traction, oscillatory movements, and subtle rotations. The final phase includes global integration of tensions through alternating limb movements coordinated with breathing.

OTHER

Visceral Therapy

The visceral therapy intervention begins with 3-5 minutes of patient preparation in the supine position with the lower limbs slightly flexed, which promotes relaxation of the abdominal wall. After a brief interview and palpatory assessment of the abdomen, thorax, and pelvis, the therapist identifies areas of increased tension and tissue restriction. In the first, 10-minute part of the therapy, structures functionally related to the cervical spine are treated, including the upper thoracic outlet, cervicothoracic junction, clavicular region, esophagus, stomach, and cervical fascial structures. The next, 15-minute phase includes work with the respiratory diaphragm, liver, gallbladder, colonic flexures, urinary bladder, and pelvic fascial structures. In addition, the therapist performs techniques on the parietal and visceral peritoneum. The final stage includes global balancing techniques as well as breathing and postural recommendations.

OTHER

Magnetic field therapy

The magnetic field therapy intervention is applied in patients with acute cervical or lumbar spine pain as a supportive physical modality with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edematous effects. Each session lasts 30 minutes and is performed using standardized parameters: low-frequency pulsed magnetic field, intensity of 4 mT, frequency of 15 Hz, and pulsatile mode. In patients with cervical pain, the therapy is administered locally to the painful region to reduce pain, muscle tension, and tissue swelling, while improving local microcirculation. In lumbar pain, the magnetic field is applied to the lower back region to decrease pain and paraspinal muscle tension, enhance blood supply, and stimulate tissue metabolism. The intervention is intended to support reduction of acute inflammatory symptoms, improve tissue recovery, and facilitate restoration of spinal mobility and functional comfort.

OTHER

Positioning postures

The positioning posture intervention is used in acute cervical and lumbar pain to identify and maintain a body position that provides the greatest symptom relief. The patient is placed in a comfortable, non-forced posture, and the therapist carefully adjusts body alignment until pain is clearly reduced or completely relieved. Once the most comfortable position is found, it is maintained for 30 minutes, with minor corrections if discomfort reappears. In cervical spine pain, the patient lies supine with the head supported on a pillow or in the therapist's hands, while gentle flexion, extension, rotation, or lateral flexion is tested to find the most relieving neck position. In lumbar pain, the patient also remains supine, and the therapist adjusts hip and knee flexion, leg support, or slight pelvic rotation, most often achieving relief in the chair position. The intervention aims to reduce pain, relax muscles, and unload spinal structures.

OTHER

Use of a ceriaical collar

The orthopedic collar intervention begins with selection of a collar appropriate to the patient's neck height and circumference. The physiotherapist explains the purpose of the procedure and positions the patient sitting or supine with the head in a neutral position. The collar is then applied by gently lifting the chin, supporting the mandible with the contoured anterior part, and placing the lower edge evenly on the sternum and clavicles. The posterior part is secured behind the neck with Velcro straps, ensuring effective stabilization without excessive pressure, dyspnea, discomfort, or swallowing difficulties. After fitting, the therapist checks patient comfort and provides instructions for use. The collar is worn for 3 hours, during which the patient avoids sudden head movements but may perform light daily activities if recommended. The patient is instructed to monitor for adverse symptoms such as pressure pain, dizziness, or breathing difficulty. After 3 hours, the collar is remov

OTHER

Use of a stabilizing brace for the lumbar spina

The lumbar brace intervention involves selection of a brace matched to the patient's body shape and trunk circumference. The physiotherapist explains the purpose of the support and positions the patient standing or sitting with the trunk upright and the lumbar spine in a neutral position. The brace is applied over the lower back so that it covers the lumbar region closely and symmetrically. The lateral parts are fastened over the abdomen with even tension, and additional elastic straps may be adjusted to increase stabilization without causing discomfort or restricting breathing. After application, the therapist checks fit, symmetry, and patient comfort. The brace is worn for 3 hours during light daily activities performed according to therapeutic recommendations. The patient is advised to avoid heavy lifting, excessive loads, and sudden twisting movements, and to monitor for pressure, abdominal pain, dyspnea, or skin irritation.

Locations (1)

Zamiejscowy Wydział Kultury Fizycznej w Gorzowie Wlkp AWF Poznan

Gorzów Wielkopolski, Lubusz Voivodeship, Poland