ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON NECK PAIN AND PROPRIOCEPTION IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

EFFECT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY ON NECK PAIN AND PROPRIOCEPTION IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY PATIENTS

PURPOSE:

to investigate effect of electromagnetic field therapy on neck pain and proprioception in cervical radiculopathy patients

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy is a clinical condition resulting from compression of cervical nerve roots Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is an easy, non-invasive, safe, and relatively new treatment method that is used with growing interest in physical and rehabilitation medicine. Historically, the benefits from magnetotherapy have been reported for patients with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders

Thirty four patients with cervical radiculopathy The patients will randomly be divided into two equal groups; the control group which received the selected exercise program and the study group received the same exercise training program in addition to electromagnetic field therapy, three times per week for four weeks. The evaluation methods by Visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-P), cervical joint position error test (JPET), Neck disability index , and Cervical range of motion (CROM) goniometer device measurements

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ranging from 30:45
2. Cervical radiculopathy due to disc prolapse (C5-C6) (C6-C7) mild to moderate or disc prolapse according to magnetic resonance image (MRI).
3. With mild to moderate cervical disability according to neck disability index
4. Body mass index (18.5 to 29.9) Kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cervical myelopathy.
2. Patients with previous cervical surgery.
3. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
4. Any other musculoskeletal disorders of the spine or upper extremity.