Comparison of effectiveness of upper quarter neurodynamic treatment and cervical traction in cervical radiculopathy-A pilot study Abhilash P.V1, Rai Mayur1, Narayanan Princy M2,*, Priya S1 1Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, A.J Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore 2Post Graduate Student, LMCP, Mangalore *Corresponding author: Princy M Narayanan, PG Student, LMCP, Mangalore. E-mail address: princyedpl@gmail.com
Online published on 26 October, 2018. Abstract Cervical radiculopathy is a neurological condition characterized by the dysfunction of a cervical spinal nerve, nerve root or both. Neural mobilization uses the specific position and movements of neck and arm to reduce nerve mechanosensitivity, resolve symptoms and restore function. Studies have shown that cervical traction is effective in relieving radiating pain and its associated disability and a few studies have shown that neural mobilization provides immediate benefits without harmful effects. Objectives To compare the effectiveness of neurodynamic treatment and intermittent cervical traction in cervical radiculopathy. Methodology Thirty subjects aged 18–70 years, both gender with unilateral upper extremity pain, paresthesia or numbness, 4 positive findings: -positive Spurlings test and distraction test and upper limb tension test, <60 degree ipsilateral cervical rotation were recruited for this pilot interventional study. Selected subjects were equally divided and randomly allocated two experimental group: -Group A and B by chit pick method. Group A received intermittent cervical traction, myofascial release(MFR), strengthening to deep flexor muscles of neck and scapulothoracic muscles while Group B received Neurodynmaic treatment (NDT), MFR, strengthening for deep flexor muscles of neck, and scapulothoracic muscles. Outcome measure used was Neck disability index (NDI) before treatment and after one week treatment. Results Statistical analysis of mean difference of pre and post disability was done by paired t-test and comparison of effect of treatment between 2 groups by students t test. The results have showed that there is high significance (p< 0.05) between two groups. Conclusion Findings of this pilot study shows that there was high significant difference between both group treatment. This study concluded that NDT was more effective in management of cervical radiculopathy along with MFR and strengthening in reducing pain and improvement in neck function. Top Keywords Cervical radiculopathy, neurodynamic treatment, intermittent cervical traction, and neck disability index. Top |