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

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

Effects of Thoracic Mobility Versus Stretching Exercise Program on Pain, Range of Motion and Function in Patients of Cervical Radiculopathy.

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.

Thoracic mobility exercises These techniques include mobilization, manipulation and glides to check and treat the joints. Here, these techniques will be used to mobilize the thoracic spine. In this treatment mobility exercises (Unilateral posterior anterior, Central posterior anterior and transverse glides) + hot pack (10 min) + neck stretching (neck flexors, extensors, side benders) + cervical Traction will be given to patient. A total session time will be 45 min and thrice a week on alternate days for three weeks.

Thoracic stretching exercises Thoracic stretching exercises. Thoracic stretching exercises are used to correct the musculature of thoracic region. In this treatment group stretching exercises (passive stretches and therapist facilitated exercises) +hot pack (10 min) +neck stretching (neck flexors, extensors, side benders) + tractions will be given to patient. A total of 45 min session thrice a week on alternate days for three weeks will be given. Only the eligible patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria will be included in the study.

The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a popular method to assess pain. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), asks the patient to quantify their pain on scale from 0 to 10 using whole Arabic numbers. On this 0 refers the no pain and 10 refers the highest pain.

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

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

Inclusion Criteria Both genders Age 25-55 years Unilateral cervical ridiculer pain. Chronicity of pain - 4 weeks minimum. Met wainner et al criteria (Slump test, Distraction test, ULTT) Exclusion Criteria: • Fractures Red Flags Rheumatoid arthritis Neurologic deficit Injury to spinal cord Tumor Circulatory disturbances

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