Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain Treated With Tai Chi and Chiropractic Care

This feasibility project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic care combined with Tai Chi (TC) training to reduce pain and disability in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP).

Inclusion Criteria:Chronic nonspecific neck pain at least 5 days a week for at least 3 consecutive monthsNeck pain averaged over past week of 3 or more on numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, with 10 described as 'worst neck pain imaginable'Neck Disability Index score of 5 or greaterAgreeable to participate in all study procedures and be randomized to all intervention groupsFluent in EnglishExclusion Criteria:Currently, or having received chiropractic care in past 12 monthsRegular practice (on average, weekly) of Yoga, Tai Chi or Qigong in the past 6 monthsAny major systemic illness or unstable medical condition (e.g. Parkinson's disease, cancer) or psychiatric condition requiring immediate treatment or that could lead to difficulty complying with the protocolAny disability precluding exercise practiceHistory of stroke, carotid artery dissection, or vertebral artery dissectionSigns of myelopathy or carotid bruits or evidence of pathological hypermobility (e.g. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) during the clinical examNeck pain caused by congenital deformity of the spine that contraindicate treatment, neck pain related to neoplasm, inflammatory rheumatic disease, neurological disorder, active oncologic disease, severe affective disorder, addiction, or psychosisNeck pain associated with unstable radicular pain or radiculopathyPregnancyRecent spinal injections (in the past 4 weeks)Neck pain with litigationAny prior cervical surgery/spinal surgery within previous yearPersons currently involved in a disability/accident claim