Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Manual Cervical Traction and Natural Apophyseal Glides on Pain and Disability Among Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

72 patients who fulfill the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Written informed consent was taken from every subject participating in this study. Allocation of subjects in two groups has been done by random number table as per CONSORT guidelines 2010. Group A was treated with Natural Apophyseal Glides and group B with Manual Cervical Traction. Both groups received the conventional therapy along with the manual techniques. The conventional therapy included hot pack, Neck range of motion exercises, neck strengthening and stabilization exercises. The hot pack is a form of thermo therapywas applied for 10 to 15 minutes and was applied at each visit during 3 sessions per week for total 3 weeks. The strengthening and stabilization exercises are form of therapeutics exercise are prescribed at 15 to 20 times per session for total 3 weeks. Intensity of exercise may rise gradually according to patient tolerance and muscular strength.The conventional or baseline therapy remained same throughout the study.

Group A received conventional therapy and NAGS with 2-3 hertz (less than 6 repetitions) in 3 sets for 3 weeks. Group B received MCT along with traditional therapy. Treatment frequency was 3 sessions per week for total three weeks duration. MCT applied was intermittent type traction.8 to 10 kg force was applied at an angle of 20 to 25 degree from horizontal. 5sets of cervical traction are performed. In every set traction is given for 1 minute with rest period of 20 seconds. The total time of session was 10 minute.Pain intensity was measured by Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Functional ability was appraised by Neck Disability Index. All the information was collected by using standardized questionnaire of NPRS and NDI. Confounding variables are controlled by randomization and restriction methods. All treatment was given by single handed to control the biasness.Proforma of the patients which dropout during study was filled through intention to treat analysis method which was set as 15%.