Conventional physiotherapy which include cervical traction, hot pack and isometric strengthening exercises for lower cervical radiculopathy

Conventional physiotherapy which include cervical traction, hot pack and isometric strengthening exercises for lower cervical radiculopathy

Patient Position:

• The Patient lies supine on the treatment table.
• Head in neutral or slightly flexed position (according to comfort and symptoms).
• Arms rest by the sides.

Therapist Position:

• Therapist stands at the head end of table, therapist places the middle finger on the concerned cervical segment.
• To maintain joint contact and control movement at the level.

Belt Placement:

• The Mulligan belt is positioned at an angle to apply gentle traction targeting the lower cervical spine (C5-C7) (16)
• Make sure there is no pressure on the throat or jaw.

Application of Traction:

• While maintaining contact at the target segment, therapist leans backward, to apply gentle sustained and controlled traction (distraction force) along the line of the cervical spine.
• This help to open up the intervertebral foramen, reduce nerve compression and restore normal joint mechanics. (17)

Duration:

• Traction is applied for 10-30 seconds per repetition, repeated 3-5 times per session base

The NDI contains 10 items - 7 relating to activities of daily living, 2 relating to pain and 1 relating to concentration items is scored from 0-5, and the total score is expressed as a percentage (total possible score, 100%), with higher scores corresponding to greater disability. Scoring the NDI: 0 - 4 = No disability 5 - 14 = Mild disability 15 - 24 = Moderate disability 25 - 34 = Severe disability 35 or over = Complete disability

The NPRS is a reliable and effective tool for measuring pain. A straight line is drawn on the evaluation sheet, labeled from '0' to '10', where '0' represents no pain and '10' indicates the worst possible pain. Patients are asked to mark a point on the line that reflects the intensity of pain they are experiencing at the time of assessment

Cervical Flexion (Looking Down) Position: The patient sits upright. Goniometer Axis: Placed at the external auditory meatus (ear). Stationary Arm: Kept perpendicular to the floor. Moving Arm: Aligned with the base of the nose. Normal Range: 0 to 45 degrees 2 Cervical Extension (Looking Up) Position: Patient remains seated upright. Goniometer Axis: Centered at the external auditory meatus. Stationary Arm: Vertical, perpendicular to the floor. Moving Arm: Follows the line of the nose. Normal Range: 0 to 45 degrees

3. Cervical Lateral Flexion (Side Bending) Position: Patient sits straight. Goniometer Axis: Over the C7 spinous process. Stationary Arm: Aligned vertically along the spine. Moving Arm: Follows the midline of the head toward the occipital bone. Normal Range: 0 to 45 degrees 4.Cervical Rotation (Turning Head Side to Side) Position: Patient remains upright. Goniometer Axis: Placed at the top center of the head. Stationary Arm: Imaginary line between both shoulder tips.