Comparative Effect of Nerve Gliding and Mechanical Traction on Cervical Radiculopathy
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Abstract
Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a debilitating condition characterized by pain and neurological symptoms resulting from nerve root compression in the cervical spine. Traditional treatments include mechanical traction and nerve gliding exercises, each with varying degrees of efficacy. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of these interventions can guide clinicians in optimizing treatment strategies.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mechanical traction and nerve gliding exercises in reducing pain, improving cervical range of motion, and decreasing disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 32 participants diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy, evenly divided into two groups: Group A received nerve gliding exercises, and Group B underwent mechanical traction. Both interventions were administered over a four-week period. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), cervical range of motion (flexion, extension), and disability (Neck Disability Index, NDI). Data were analyzed using Friedman tests for within-group comparisons and Mann-Whitney U tests for between-group differences, with a significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in VAS and NDI scores post-treatment. Group A (nerve gliding) reported a decrease in VAS from 7.44 (SD=0.73) to 2.31 (SD=0.79) and in NDI from 38.38 (SD=5.38) to 15.94 (SD=5.09). Group B (mechanical traction) showed a reduction in VAS from 7.56 (SD=1.21) to 3.56 (SD=1.21) and in NDI from 39.56 (SD=6.63) to 30.13 (SD=6.88). Improvements in cervical range of motion were more pronounced in Group A. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in favor of nerve gliding for enhancing cervical range of motion (p<0.05) and reducing disability scores (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Both mechanical traction and nerve gliding exercises are effective in managing cervical radiculopathy. However, nerve gliding exercises demonstrated a superior benefit in improving cervical range of motion and reducing disability levels. These findings suggest that nerve gliding exercises may offer a more comprehensive treatment approach for cervical radiculopathy.
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