Effects of Neural Tissue Mobilization versus Intermittent Cervical Traction in Unilateral Cervical Radiculopathy on Pain, Range of Motion and Quality of Life- A Comparative Study

Introduction: The experience of pain is multi-dimensional & it is therefore important to provide a holistic approach when assessing and managing pain. As there is paucity in literature comparing effects of neural tissue mobilization versus intermittent cervical traction in unilateral cervical radiculopathy on pain, range of motion& quality of life, there was a need to conduct this study to fill the gap in the available literature.
Materials & Method: After taking informed, written consent patients were divided into 3 groups by simple random sampling method. Group A received neural tissue mobilization plus conventional treatment, Group B received intermittent cervical traction plus conventional treatment and Group C received conventional treatment. All the 3 groups received treatment 6 sessions per week for 2 weeks. Pre and post intervention NPRS, ROM and SF 12 were measured.
Results: Paired t test was applied to analyze pre and post outcome measures within group, while between groups analysis was done by using one way ANOVA test &bonferroni mulitple comparison test. There was statistically significant difference found in NPRS, cervical ROM and MCS of SF 12 at the end of 2 weeks in between group analysis (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found in PCS of SF 12 in between group analysis (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Neural tissue mobilization along with conventional therapy is more effective in reducing pain, improving cervical range of motion and mental component of quality of life in unilateral cervical radiculopathy patients than intermittent cervical traction and conventional therapy.