Type of Article : Original Article

Year: 2014 | Volume 2 | Issue 6 | Page No. 787-792

Date of Publication: 11-12-2014

DOI: 10.16965/ijpr.2014.693

EFFECTIVENESS OF TENS VERSUS INTERMITTENT CERVICAL TRACTION IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY  

Himanshi Sharma *¹, Niral Patel ².  

*¹Lecturer, Pioneer Physiotherapy College, Vadodara Gujarat, India.
² BPT (Student-Intern), Pioneer Physiotherapy College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

Corresponding author: Dr. Himanshi Sharma, MPT( MIAP), Lecturer, Pioneer Physiotherapy College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Mobile No.: +918511157894
E-Mail: himanshi_anil@yahoo.co.in

Abstract:

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a dysfunction of nerve root of the cervical spine where C6& C7 nerve roots are the most commonly affected. It encompasses important symptoms other than pain, such as paresthesia, numbness and muscle weakness in dermatomal or myotomal distribution of an affected nerve root. A multitude of physical therapy interventions have been proposed to be effective in the management of cervical radiculopathy, including mechanical cervical traction, manipulation, therapeutic exercises and TENS. Studies to find out the effectiveness of TENS versus Intermittent Cervical Traction among patients with Cervical Radiculopathy are sparse.
Hence the present study was undertaken to find out and compare effectiveness of TENS versus Intermittent Cervical Traction a newer technique towards betterment in treatment of cervical radiculopathy patients.
Methodology: 30 patients from Baroda association for the blind (Lions club of Baroda), Subhanpura & Sushrut Physiotherapy Clinic, Akota were chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A comprised of 15 people with cervical radiculopathy were given TENS with Isometric neck exercises and active neck movements. Group B comprised of 15 people with cervical radiculopathy were given Intermittent Cervical Traction with Isometric neck exercise and active neck movements. VAS Scale & Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used as outcome measures pre & post treatment.
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 groups showed a very high significance (P< 0.05) within the group for all the outcome measurements. A post-test comparison of measured variables, between the groups showed that the Group A demonstrated a statistically significant (P< 0.05) reduction in pain and Neck Disability Index.
Conclusion: From the above study concluded  that TENS was more effective in the management of cervical radiculopathy along with isometricneck exercise, in reducing both neck & arm pain, neck disability & in improving activities of daily living.
KEYWORDS:Cervical Radiculopathy,TENS, Intermittent Cervical Traction Isometric Neck Exercise, Neck Disability Index.

References

1. www.emedicine.com
2. David J. Magee, Orthopedic Physical Assessment, 5th edition.
3. John Low Ann Reed, Electrotherapy explained principles and practice; 4th edition.
4. Carolyn kisner, Lynn Allen Colby, Therapeutic exercise foundation and techniques, 5th edition.
5. Ian A. Young, Lori A. Michener, Joshua A. Cleland, Arnold J. Aguilera, Alison R. Snyde Manual Therapy, Exercise, and Traction for Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical trial. Phys Ther 2009; 89:632– 642.
6. Nural & et al, Gutevn hospital physical therapy& Rehab Dept.
7. Rai SC, S. A, Bhagavan K, Pinto D. Cervical Traction Reduces Pain and Disability In   Patients With Unilateral Cervical Radiculopathy. Ijcrr. 2013; 5(7): 33-40.
8. Concong CAI, Guan Ming, and Lih Yen. Rule to identify patients with neck pain who are likely to benefit from home-based mechanical cervical traction. Journal on Development of a clinicalprediction 2011; 20(6): 912–922.
9. Smati Sambyal. Comparison between Nerve Mobilization and Conventional Physiotherapy In Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy International Journal of Innovative Research and Development 2013; 2(8):442.
10. Spitzer & et al, scientific approach to the assessment & management of activity related spinal disorder. A monograph for cilinician. Report of the Quebec task force on spinal disorders.spine 1987.
11. Gross A, Miller J, D’Sylva J, Burnie SJ, Goldsmith CH, Graham N, Haines T, Brønfort   G,Hoving JLManipulation or Mobilisation for Neck Pain The Cochrane Collaboration.   Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
12. Sohair Fouad El-BestarAshraf Abdel-Moniem El-Mitwalli Eman Omar Khashaba Neck–Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Workersin the Telecommunications Company at Mansoura City International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE) 2011;17(2):195–205.
13. Saunders Evaluation Treatment & Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders vol-1 spine. 2000.
14. Frankel VH, Shore NA, Hoppenfeld S. Stress Distribution in Cervical Traction Prevention of Temporomandibular Joint Pain Syndrome. Clin Orth 1964;32:114-115.
15. Franks A. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Associated with Cervical Traction. Ann Phys Med 1967; 8:38-40.
16. Shore N, Frankel V and Hoppenfeld S: Cervical Traction and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. Joul Am Dental Assoc. 1964;68(1):4-6.
17. Joshua A. Cleland, DPT, OCS, Julie M. Whitman, PT, Dsc, OCS, FAAOMPT, Julie    M. Fritz, PT, Phd, Atcjessica A. Palmer, MPT Manual Physical Therapy, Cervical Traction, And Strengthening Exercises In Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Case Series J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2005;35(12).