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Cervical Traction for Neuropathic Itch

This study is looking into whether using a cervical traction device (a home neck traction device) can help people with neuropathic itch (itch caused by nerve problems) in their scalp, arms, and upper back to reduce their use of gabapentin or pregabalin medications. You might be able to join if you are 18 or older, have this type of itch without skin lesions, and are currently taking a stable dose of gabapentin or pregabalin. The study will measure if participants can lower their medication use after 12 weeks. The current status of this study is unclear, and it plans to enroll 12 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study involving 12 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would use your home neck traction device daily for 12 weeks and continue your gabapentin or pregabalin prescriptions. You would also complete an electronic survey about your itch score every two weeks for 12 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your medication usage will be measured at the beginning of the study and again at 12 weeks.

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NCT06751056

Cervical Traction to Reduce Gabaergic Medication Use for Neuropathic Itch

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Mayo Clinic
~12 participants
Updated 2025-09-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cervical Traction Device

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in GABAergic medication usage
Measured over Baseline, 12 weeks

Conditions

Pruritus

Explore related trials

Pruritus

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Arizona1

Study leadership

  • David Swanson · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Mayo Clinic

Who to contact

David L Swanson, MD
[email protected]
480 301 6169
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Persons with scalp, arm, and upper back pruritus without primary skin lesions.
Persons 18 or older.
Person on a stable dosage of gabapentin or pregabalin over the preceding 4 week period.
Persons willing and able to comply with clinic visits and study-related procedures.
Persons willing and able to understand and complete study-related questionnaires.
Persons willing and able to provide voluntary signed informed consent.

Exclusion

Primary skin lesions driving scalp, arm, or upper back pruritus.
A history of spinal surgery or other conditions (acute or traumatic spinal injury, spinal instability, spinal fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, metastatic disease to the spine, spinal cord compression, active infections of the head and neck) that would make neck traction contraindicated.
Unable to comfortably lay down on the floor and get back up without assistance.
Medical conditions in which gabapentin and/or pregabalin is contraindicated.
Current enrollment in physical therapy with exercises addressing the cervical spine.
Planned or anticipated use of any prohibited medications or procedures during study treatment.
Presence of skin comorbidities that may interfere with study assessments.
Currently pregnant or breastfeeding or plans to become pregnant or breastfeed during the participation in the study. Persons of childbearing age who are not on reliable contraception will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Severe concomitant illness(es) that, in the investigator's judgment, would adversely affect the patient's participation in the study. Examples include, but are not limited to, a short life expectancy, persons with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 9%), cardiovascular conditions (e.g. stage III or IV cardiac failure), severe renal conditions (e.g. patients on dialysis), debilitating neurological conditions (e.g. demyelinating diseases), active major autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), or other severe endocrinological, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, metabolic, pulmonary, or lymphatic diseases. The specific justification for persons excluded under this criterion will be noted in study documents.
Any other medical or psychological condition (including relevant laboratory abnormalities at screening) that, in the opinion of the investigator, may suggest a new and/or insufficiently understood disease, may present an unreasonable risk to the study patient as a result of his/her participation in this clinical trial, may make participation unreliable, or may interfere with study assessments. The specific justification for persons excluded under this criterion will be noted in study documents.

What this trial measures

  • Change in GABAergic medication usageBaseline, 12 weeks

    Reported as percentage of reduction in dosage of gabapentin or pregabalin after 12 weeks of home neck traction.