The effect of neural tissue mobilisation performed simultaneously with mechanical cervical traction on pain disability and functions of patients with chronic cervical radiculopathy

Abstract

Background and aim

Cervical radiculopathy is a disorder involving dysfunction of cervical nerve roots that commonly manifests as pain radiating from the neck into the distribution of the affected root. Mechanical traction expands the space between the vertebrae, increases the movement of the joints and stretches the muscle and ligaments around the vertebrae. Neural mobilisation is interventions aimed at affecting the neural structures or surrounding tissue (interface) directly or indirectly through manual techniques or exercises.The analgesic action of cervical traction and neural tissue mobilisations has been explored and recognized in many RCT studies and analyzed in systematic reviews, the effect of both modalities applied simultaneously has not been previously investigated. Therefore the need of this study is to present the effect of simultaneous application of cervical traction with neural mobilization on pain and disability in patient experiencing chronic cervical radiculopathy and observe any enhanced effect.

Methodology

An experimental study was carried out wherein 30 individuals selected by simple random sampling positive for signs and symptoms of chronic cervical radiculopathy of median nerve (Positive spurling’s test/Distraction test and Upper limb tension test positive for median nerve or a combination of these).Experimental group was given mechanical traction and neural mobilisation simultaneously and control group separately. Both were given other conventional treatment. The interventions were for 6 consecutive days and Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index and Patient Specific Functional Scale were taken pre and post intervention.

Result and conclusion

The study suggests that there is statistically significant difference for reduction in pain, neck disability and improvement in patient's functions in both groups pre and post treatment. It also suggests that there is statistical significant difference in improvement in neck disability and patient's functions in experimental group than the control group but equally effective in alleviation of pain.