Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Muscloskeletal Disorders

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a disorder of the cervical nerve root and most commonly is caused by a cervical disc herniation leading to chronic pain and disability. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization on pain severity, neck disability and flexor carpi radialis H-reflex latency in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Forty five patients (31females and 14 males) suffering from unilateral cervical radiculopathy due disc herniation were assigned randomly into three equal studies groups. Group (A) consisted of 15 patients (10 females and 5 males) with mean age (38.07±5.85) years received simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization. Group (B) consisted of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males) with mean age (42.41±7.15) years received intermittent cervical traction firstly followed by median nerve mobilization. Group (C) consisted of 15 patients (12 females and 3 males) with mean age (41.07±6.62) years received median nerve mobilization firstly followed by intermittent cervical traction. All groups received strengthening exercises for deep neck flexors and scapulothoracic muscles. Six sessions were given each other day for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated pretreatment and post treatment for neck pain severity, neck disability and flexor carpi radialis H-reflex latency

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