Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

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has dizziness described as imbalance related to neck movements or positions and a stiff and/or painful neck

 -

has had the symptoms present for greater than 3 months

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18-90 years old

Exclusion criteria:

Known conditions that would put them at risk of injury:

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inflammatory joint disease

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spinal cord pathology

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cervical spine infection

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bony disease or marked osteoporosis

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marked cervical spine disc protrusion

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cervical spine cancer

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acute nerve root symptoms (severe pain, weakness, pins and needles or numbness in the arm or hand for less than 6 weeks)

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recent fracture/dislocation of the neck (in the last 3 months)

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previous surgery to the upper cervical spine

People will also be excluded if they have the following:

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other types or causes of dizziness, such as vertigo, light headedness, psychogenic dizziness, vertebrobasilar insufficiency

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other causes of poor balance

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migraines

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physiotherapy or similar treatment to the neck in the previous month

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current pregnancy

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compensable cases

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inability to speak or read English