Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

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Effect of Mechanical Traction on Neck Pain and Disability in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy


Affiliations
1 Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India
     

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Background

Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy is a very common problem in general population and in musculoskeletal practice, accounting for 15% of all soft tissue problems. Twenty-six percent to 71% of the adult population experiences an episode of neck pain or stiffness in their lifetime. Neck pain is more common in females than in males, with rates reported as high as 77.8 percent. It has a costly impact on society because of visits to healthcare providers, sick leave, disability and loss of productivity.

Method

A total of 20 patients (11 female & 9 male) with neck pain participated in this prospective comparative study and were divided into Control (group A) &Experimental (group B) by convenient sampling. Neck pain and disability were measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) & Neck Disability Index (NDI). These variables were assessed at 0th, 8th and 16th session.

Results

Multivariable stepwise One way ANOVA and't' test showed that NDI score for group A and group B consistently reduced at 0th, 8th and 16th session but VAS score for group A notoriously changed. It finally reduced at 16th session after a short span of increase at 8th session. In group B, it showed consistent decrease at regular interval.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide strong evidences that neck pain is directly related with disability. The results imply that mechanical cervical traction is useful physiotherapeutic adjunct for reducing neck pain and ultimately neck disability.


Keywords

Radiculopathy, Traction, Neck Disability, Pain.
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  • Effect of Mechanical Traction on Neck Pain and Disability in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

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Authors

A. Sanduja
Department of Physiotherapy, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana, India

Abstract


Background

Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy is a very common problem in general population and in musculoskeletal practice, accounting for 15% of all soft tissue problems. Twenty-six percent to 71% of the adult population experiences an episode of neck pain or stiffness in their lifetime. Neck pain is more common in females than in males, with rates reported as high as 77.8 percent. It has a costly impact on society because of visits to healthcare providers, sick leave, disability and loss of productivity.

Method

A total of 20 patients (11 female & 9 male) with neck pain participated in this prospective comparative study and were divided into Control (group A) &Experimental (group B) by convenient sampling. Neck pain and disability were measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) & Neck Disability Index (NDI). These variables were assessed at 0th, 8th and 16th session.

Results

Multivariable stepwise One way ANOVA and't' test showed that NDI score for group A and group B consistently reduced at 0th, 8th and 16th session but VAS score for group A notoriously changed. It finally reduced at 16th session after a short span of increase at 8th session. In group B, it showed consistent decrease at regular interval.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide strong evidences that neck pain is directly related with disability. The results imply that mechanical cervical traction is useful physiotherapeutic adjunct for reducing neck pain and ultimately neck disability.


Keywords


Radiculopathy, Traction, Neck Disability, Pain.

References