Effectiveness of Intermittent Supine Cervical Traction in Reducing Pain and Disability in Chronic Cervical Radiculopathy Whether Used Alone or With Cervical Isometrics

Abstract

Background: Chronic cervical radiculopathy (CCR) is a common condition characterized newlineby nerve root compression in the cervical spine, leading to pain, functional disability, and newlineimpaired quality of life. Despite the established efficacy of intermittent cervical traction newline(ICT) and cervical isometric exercises as standalone treatments, limited research has newlineexplored their combined effect in managing CCR. newlineObjective: To compare the effectiveness of ICT alone versus its combination with cervical newlineisometric exercises in alleviating pain, improving functional disability, and enhancing newlinecervical range of motion (ROM) in individuals with CCR. newlineMethods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants aged 26 60 newlineyears diagnosed with CCR. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group newlineA (ICT alone) and Group B (ICT combined with cervical isometric exercises). Outcome newlinemeasures included the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), newlineand goniometry for cervical ROM. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention (6 newlineweeks). newlineResults: Group B demonstrated significantly greater improvements compared to Group A newlineacross all outcome measures. The mean pain reduction in Group B was 50% compared to newline30% in Group A (p lt 0.05). Functional disability scores (NDI) improved by 35% in Group newlineB versus 20% in Group A (p lt 0.05). Additionally, Group B showed superior enhancements newlinein cervical ROM, with significant differences observed across flexion, extension, lateral newlineflexion, and rotation. newlineConclusion: The integration of ICT with cervical isometric exercises provides a synergistic newlinetherapeutic effect, addressing both mechanical and neuromuscular components of CCR. newlineThis multimodal approach demonstrates superior efficacy over ICT alone, offering a newlinepromising strategy for conservative management of CCR. The findings advocate for newlineincorporating combined treatments in clinical physiotherapy protocols to achieve optimal newlinepatient outcomes. newlineKeywords: Chronic cervical radiculopath