Effects of Cervical Distraction Versus Cervical Traction Techniques on Upper Cervical Pain
Condition: Neck Pain
MeSH terms: Neck Pain
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The aim of this study is to compare the effects of cervical distraction versus cervical
      traction techniques on pain, range of motion and function in patients with upper cervical
      pain. This study will be randomized clinical trial and 42 patients according to inclusion
      criteria will be included in the study. They will be allocated into 2 groups by
      non-probability purposive sampling technique. Group A will receive cervical distraction
      technique with conventional physical therapy while Group B will receive cervical traction
      technique with conventional therapy. Outcome measures; Neck Disability Index, goniometry and
      Numeric Pain Rating Scale will measure neck function and neck pain intensity. Both groups
      will receive 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks and measurements will be taken at the baseline
      and at the end of 4th week. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 25
    

Detailed description: 
      The term collectively used for musculoskeletal conditions originating from cervical area is
      known as neck pain. According to the Global burden of disease (2010) study, neck pain is the
      fourth agent which is the reason behind chronic disability. The incidence of cervical pain in
      the adult population aged 15 to 74 years is 5.92% to 38.7% and it is more prevalent in women
      than men. The best predictor of future neck pain is the presence of an episode of neck pain
      in the past. Cervical rotation deficits are noted mostly in upper cervical spine issues as in
      atlantoaxial joint pathology.

      The aim of this study is to compare the effects of cervical distraction versus cervical
      traction techniques on pain, range of motion and function in patients with upper cervical
      pain. This study will be a randomized clinical trial and 42 patients according to inclusion
      criteria will be included in the study. They will be allocated into 2 groups by
      non-probability purposive sampling technique. Group A will receive the cervical distraction
      technique with conventional physical therapy while Group B will receive the cervical traction
      technique with conventional therapy. Outcome measures; Neck Disability Index, goniometry and
      Numeric Pain Rating Scale will measure neck function and neck pain intensity. Both groups
      will receive 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks and measurements will be taken at the baseline
      and at the end of 4th week. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 25.
    

Intervention name(s): conventional physical therapy with distraction technique; conventional physical therapy with traction technique
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Distraction will be at suboccipital level and patients will ask to assume a supine position with the head on the plinth. The therapist will use fingertips in both hands from digits 2 through 5, and cups the suboccipital region of the patient and supports the posterior skull. The therapist provides a light distraction to the posterior skull. Distraction will be applied for 10 min with pull for 10 sec and5 sec will be applied. Prior to apply this technique all patients will receive 15 minutes of infrared with TENS at cervical spine. The total treatment session will be of 25 minute with total intervention period of 4 weeks with 5 sessions per week.; In cervical traction, patients will ask to lie supine on the treatment table. Head will cradle by physiotherapist from chin and the occiput, and then the physiotherapist will apply traction force in 25 degree neck flexion. Traction will be applied for 10 minutes with pull for 10 sec and 5 sec rest will be applied. Prior to apply this technique all patients will receive 15 minutes of infrared with TENS at cervical spine. The total treatment session will be of 25 min with total intervention period of 4 weeks with 5 sessions per week. All outcome measurements will be assessed before treatment and then reassessed at the end of 4th week.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Cervical pain; Traction; Distraction