The School of Rehabilitation Science is looking for volunteers with chronic neck or shoulder pain to participate in a study to evaluate a new handheld InterX® neurostimulation device. The device provides a safe, non-drug, non-invasive therapy that may reduce pain and enhance function in patients with chronic pain.

We are currently seeking individuals 18 to 65 years of age who have had neck or shoulder pain for a period of at least 3 months.

If you are eligible, you will be randomized to receive either the active or inactive (placebo/sham) treatment of the InterX 5000 plus standard rehabilitation exercises. You will receive treatment 3 times a week at the Upper Ottawa Physiotherapy Clinic for 4 weeks.

You will also be asked to come to McMaster University before treatment, and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment for evaluation. You will be asked to:

• complete self-report surveys
• have blood and X-rays taken
• have your neck range of motion measured. have your grip strength measured . have your tolerance for vibration, electrical current, and pain (pressure) measured
• have your muscle activity measured by electromyography techniques
  (EMG) while moving objects between shelves
• have the force of your neck muscles measured as you push and pull using those muscles.

You will receive parking vouchers for your evaluation sessions at McMaster University and a $50 honorarium upon completion of the 4-week study.

If you are interested in participating or would like some more information, please contact Margaret at 905-525-9140 Extension 27328 or lomotam@mcmaster.ca.