Neural Mobilization With Intermittent Cervical Traction on Grip Strength, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Cervical Radiculopathy

Effects of Neural Mobilization With and Without Intermittent Cervical Traction on Grip Strength, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy commonly called "pinched nerve," occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder and/or arm, as well as muscle weakness and numbness.

Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system that affects the normal function of the cervical nerve roots (CNRs). It is frequently linked to chronic pain and daily functional limitations. The goal of the neural tissue mobilization technique is to restore the nervous system's capacity to tolerate the normal compressive, tensile, and frictional forces that are associated with day-to-day activities and to examine the neural tension in nerves and mobilize the nerves that exhibit neural tension through passive and active movements using tensioning and gliding. Cervical traction reduces pressure within the vertebral disks and unloads the structures of the spine by stretching muscles and ligaments. They are clinically important techniques that are easily understood by patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects of any gender
2. Age between 35 and 55 years
3. Experience of unilateral upper-extremity pain, numbness, or paranesthesia. This must include a history of neck pain associated with radicular pain below the occiput and on one side of the neck, along with a tingling sensation on the lateral aspect of the elbow joint.
4. Positive results in at least three out of four tests Spurling's test, Distraction test, Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1, and ipsilateral cervical rotation of less than 60°, according to a clinical prediction rule.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of previous cervical or thoracic spine surgery
2. Bilateral upper-extremity symptoms
3. Signs or symptoms of upper motor neuron disease
4. Medical "red flags" (e.g. tumor, fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, prolonged steroid use)

4. Injections in cervical spine in the past 2 weeks