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NCT Number: NCT05393323

Effects of Cervical Distraction Versus Cervical Traction Techniques on Upper Cervical Pain

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

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Mehmooda begum medical complex

Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Minimum 3 months chronicity of upper cervical pain
  • Positive flexion-rotation test (asymmetry of >10◦ between sides or less than 32◦ in any direction)
  • hypomobility in one or more segments of C0-1, C1-2, or C2-3

Exclusion criteria

  • Congenital abnormalities (Cervical torticollis)
  • Past surgical history of cervical spine
  • Any history of neck trauma
  • Already undergone physiotherapy treatment

Treatment and study plan

conventional physical therapy with distraction technique

Other

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.

conventional physical therapy with traction technique

Other

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. NPRS

    Time frame: 4th week

    The NPRS is a segmented numeric version of the visual analog scale (VAS) in which a respondent selects a whole number (0-10) that best reflects the intensity of his/her pain 11-point numeric scale ranges from '0' representing no pain to 10 representing the worst imaginable pain

  2. NDI

    Time frame: 4th Week

    The NDI has become a standard instrument for measuring self-rated disability due to neck pain. Each of the 10 items scores from 0 to 5. The maximum score is 50.

  3. Goniometric measurement

    Time frame: 4th Week

    The science of measuring the joint ranges in each plane of the joint is called goniometry. Goniometer is a device that measures an angle or permits the rotation of an object to a definite position. Neck flexion, extension, side bending and rotation will be assessed through it

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Cervical Distraction Versus Cervical Traction Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Patients With Upper Cervical Pain

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2023
First posted
May 26, 2022
Registry last updated
Apr 3, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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