Effects of Thoracic Mobility Versus Stretching Exercise Program in Patients of Cervical Radiculopathy

Overview

The study will be a randomized clinical trial with a sample size of 44 to determine the effects of thoracic mobility versus thoracic stretching exercises on pain, range of motion, and function in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Subjects will be enrolled according to inclusion-exclusion criteria. Patients will be divided into two groups, each with 22 patients. Group A will receive thoracic mobility exercises along with conventional physical therapy while group B will receive thoracic stretching exercises along with the conventional physical therapy protocol. The conventional physical therapy protocol will include a hot pack, neck Traction, and stretches. The session will be around 30 to 45 min for each patient with three sessions per week on alternate days. A total of Three weeks of treatment regime will be given to the patients and an assessment of patient's pain, range of motion, and function with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometry and Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be done at the baseline, after the completion of treatment at three weeks and after six weeks to observe the long-term effects. will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25

Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. The incidence and prevalence rate of cervical radiculopathy are unclear, and epidemiological data are limited. Depending on the segments involved and the severity of neurological dysfunction, various signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may manifest as neck and unilateral arm pain with numbness, weakness, or altered reflexes. Cervical spine radiculopathy is a disabling condition that has significant negative impacts on a person's mental health, physical functioning and social participation. It is a complex presentation, associated with increased dependence on healthcare systems, and poses a substantial challenge for clinicians and patients as it does not always respond to conventional therapies Symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may include neck and upper limb pain as well as neurological signs such as muscle weakness, disturbed sensation, and decreased reflex. Patients with cervical radiculopathy demonstrated characteristics of sensory changes such as hypoesthesia (mechanical, thermal, and vibratory) and cold and pressure pain hypersensitivity. Conservative treatment, particularly physical therapy, is generally recommended as initial treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy. It is found that vertebral mobilization and manipulation of the cervical spine were effective in improving pain, neck movement, and function in patients with cervical radiculopathy.