Objectives: This study compared the relative effectiveness of cervical spine manipulation and mobilization for neck pain.
Methods: Neck-pain patients were randomized to the following conditions: manipulation with or without heat, manipulation with or without electrical muscle stimulation, mobilization with or without heat, and mobilization with or without electrical muscle stimulation.
Results: Of 960 eligible patients, 336 enrolled in the study. Mean reductions in pain and disability were similar in the manipulation and mobilization groups through 6 months.
Conclusions: Cervical spine manipulation and mobilization yield comparable clinical outcomes.