The Effectiveness of Mechanical Cervical Traction on Patients with Unilateral Mechanical Neck Pain

Background: Mechanical neck pain [MNP] is the most common type of cervical spine pain encountered. A multitude of physiotherapy interventions has been proposed to be effective in the management of MNP, including mechanical cervical traction, manipulation, therapeutic exercises and modalities. The aim of the study is to find out the effectiveness of cervical traction in the management of MNP.

Study Design: A randomized two group parallel controlled clinical trial.

Materials and Method: Subjects were assigned randomly to one of two groups, each group consisting of 20 subjects. Group-A received conventional therapy plus Mechanical cervical traction [MCT] and Group-B received only conventional therapy. Pre- post- assessment was done by using Neck Disability Index [NDI], Cervical ROM and Numerical Pain Rating Scale [NPRS].

Results: The pre-test evaluation showed that there is no significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups for all the variables measured. The post-test evaluation of both the groups showed a significant difference (p<0.05) within group for all the outcome measurements. A post-test comparison of measured variables between groups demonstrated that the Group A has given statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in NPRS and NDI score; and increase in cervical ROM at week 1 and week 2.

Conclusion: The authors concluded that, even though conventional therapy is effective, the addition of intermittent cervical traction gives even better result in the management of MNP and therefore, MCT is recommended.