Comparison between Manual Traction, Manual Opening technique and Combination in Patients with cervical radiculopathy: Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of manual traction, manual intervertebral foramen opening technique and combination of the two techniques in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Methods: The single-blind randomised control trial was conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July 2017 to January 2018, and comprised patients of either gender having unilateral upper extremity pain, paresthesia or numbness. The subjects were placed into groups I, II and III using sealed envelope method. Group I was treated with the opening of intervertebral foramen technique, while group II received manual traction of cervical spine, and group III received both techniques. Three sessions were conducted per week for 3 weeks. The outcome measures were neck disability index, Numeric pain rating scale, patient-specific functional scale, and range of motions of cervical spine. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis.

Results: Of the 40 patients, 17(30%) were males and 23(70%) were females. There were 13(32.5%)patients each in groups I and II, while group III had 14(35%). Mean age in group I was 42.41±6.86 years, in group II 40.95±7 .32 years and in group III 42.50±5.77 years. There was no statisticallysignificant difference among the three groups with respect to any parameter (p>0.05). Individual group analysis showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in all parameters .

Conclusions: Manual intervertebral foramen opening technique, manual traction, and combination of both techniques were equally effective in decreasing pain, level of disability and improved cervical mobility in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Keywords: Cervical, Radiculopathy, Neck pain intervertebral foramen, Manual opening, Traction.