Effect of Neck vs. Combined Neck-Lumbar Mobilization on Pain and Motion in Cervical Disc Herniation

The Effect of Neck Mobilization vs. Combined Neck and Lumbar Mobilization on Pain and Range of Motion in People With Cervical Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background To assess the effectiveness of Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy (KEOMT) applied to cervical-only mobilization versus both lumbar and cervical regions on pain intensity and range of motion (ROM) in individuals with cervical disc herniation, Methods: Thirty three participants were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received cervical-only KEOMT while Group B received combined lumbar and cervical KEOMT, Interventions were administered three times a week for four weeks. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ROM was assessed for flexion and lateral flexion, and Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPDI) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used for evaluation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with cervical disc herniation at least 8 weeks but not more than 5 years prior.
• Cervical disc herniation verified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1 or 2 segmental levels, consistent with clinical findings.
• Neck Disability Index (NDI) score greater than 5.
• No use of analgesic medication other than the prescribed treatment before or during the study period.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of myelopathy, whiplash-associated disorder, generalized myalgia, malignant tumor, or inflammatory disease.
• Painful back problems or neurological symptoms within the past year.
• Psychiatric disorders or drug abuse.
• Contraindications to physical therapy or inability to return to work or perform physical therapy due to other diseases or disabilities.
• Inability to communicate effectively.
• Participation in any additional interventions outside the prescribed treatment during the study period.