In 2009, researchers led by Pilar Mansilla-Ferragut investigated the impact of spinal manipulation on women suffering from mechanical neck pain. Specifically, they targeted the atlanto-occipital joint, assessing its influence on active mouth opening and pressure pain sensitivity in the sphenoid bone region, innervated by the trigeminal nerve.

Thirty-seven women aged 21 to 50 with mechanical neck pain participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving spinal manipulation or a control group receiving a placebo intervention. Measurements were taken before and after treatment by a blinded assessor.

Results revealed significant improvements in active mouth opening and pressure pain thresholds in the experimental group compared to the control group. Specifically, the experimental group exhibited a notable increase in active mouth opening post-treatment, with a large positive effect size. Additionally, pressure pain sensitivity in the sphenoid bone region significantly decreased in the experimental group, with a medium positive effect size.

The study’s findings suggest that spinal manipulation targeting the atlanto-occipital joint effectively alleviates mechanical neck pain in women. This treatment resulted in immediate improvements in both active mouth opening and pressure pain sensitivity in the trigeminal nerve distribution area, providing promising insights into non-invasive interventions for neck pain management.

Reference: Mansilla-Ferragut, P., Fernández-de-Las Peñas, C., Alburquerque-Sendín, F., Cleland, J. A., & Boscá-Gandía, J. J. (2009). Immediate effects of atlanto-occipital joint manipulation on active mouth opening and pressure pain sensitivity in women with mechanical neck pain. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 32(2), 101-106.