Clinical Trial: Effectiveness of Cervical Traction and Neural Mobilization in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

Study Status: Active, not recruiting
Recruit Status: Active, not recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Cervical Traction Combined With Neural Mobilization for Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Brief Summary: The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of cervical traction with or without the addition of neural mobilization, in patients with cervical radiculopathy

Detailed Summary:

Background:Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system where the resulted cervical nerve root (CNR) pathology produces a chronic pain and disability. Based on some epidemiological findings, CR is a common clinical diagnosis since its annual incidence has been estimated to be 83 cases per 100,000, with an increased prevalence noted in the fifth decade of life. In addition, C6 and C7 nerve roots are most commonly involved in this disorder, mainly due to the high range of motion occurring between cervical vertebrae C5-C6 and C6-C7.

CR is caused by a disc herniation, or a space-occupying lesion that can result in CNR inflammation, impingement, or both. In normal situations, CNRs ensure the normal function of sensation, movement and motor coordination of the upper limb. Therefore, the development of CR can produce sensory and motor deficits in the involved limb, including pins and needles, numbness and muscle weakness, along with a neuropathic pain described as a burning or shooting pain. These symptoms lead patients to exhibit severe functional limitations such as difficulties to work, to sleep or to participate in hobbies. Studies on this topic identified several socioeconomic and psychological deficits, from lost work and wages to prolonged pain and impaired social functioning, leading patients with CR to express symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Treatment of CR has been the subject of debate between physiotherapists and researchers. Several non-operative treatment approaches have been advocated to reduce CR pain and their analgesic effect has been recognized in a number of randomized clinical trials with these in turn being analyzed in few systematic reviews. Based on these studies, patients with CR can benefit from a multimodal treatment approach including the application of postural educat
Sponsor: Christos Savva

Current Primary Outcome: Neck Disability Index [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Numeric Pain Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Patient-Specific Functional Scale [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Grip strength measurement using a dynamometer [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Measurement of cervical spine active range of motion using a universal goniometer [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]


Original Secondary Outcome:

  • Numeric Pain Rating Scale [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Patient-Specific Functional Scale [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Grip strength measurement using the Jamar dynamometer [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]
  • Measurement of cervical spine active range of motion using a universal goniometer [ Time Frame: Change from baseline after 4 weeks ]


Information By: European University Cyprus

Dates:
Date Received: January 6, 2017
Date Started: May 2016
Date Completion: February 2017
Last Updated: January 13, 2017
Last Verified: January 2017