COMPARISON BETWEEN MOBILIZATIONS WITH TRACTION AND MOBILIZATIONS WITHOUT TRACTION IN MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is defined as: the pain that occur in posterior region of cervical spine and mainly it affects the area between superior nuchal line to first thoracic vertebrae and it may or may not radiate to head, trunk and upper limb. Neck pain is sensation of discomfort and hyperalgesic to skin, ligaments and muscles on palpation and involve movements of both active and passive in area of neck and shoulder region. Neck pain is classified into three categories on basis of its duration. 1 acute neck pain: pain in neck that lasts for less than 7 days. 2subacute neck pain: neck pain that remains for more than 7 days and less than three months. 3chronic neck pain: neck pain that has duration of three months and more. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of mobilizations with traction versus mobilizations without traction in the management of chonic neck pain. Study Design: Quasi experimental study (RCT). Setting: The project was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) located in Lahore, Pakistan. Period: Feb 2018 to Aug 2018. Material and Method: Selected patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups i.e. Group A and Group B. Each group consisted of 20 patients. The mobilization with traction was applied in group A and mobilization without traction in group B. The duration of the treatment was 3 weeks with 4 sessions per week. The outcomes of the study were assessed by NPRS and NDI at the baseline, and after completion of 6 weeks exercise program. Results: All the 20 patients in group A were diagnosed with neck pain and were managed with mobilization without traction and all the 20 patients in group B were diagnosed with neck pain and were managed with mobilization with traction. The clinical examination at the end of treatment session (3 to 4 weeks) revealed; maximum patients of group B have been recovered fast and became much better with the treatment of mobilization with traction as compared to group A patients who were given mobilization without traction. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present quasi experimental study provided evidence to support the use of mobilization with traction in comparison with mobilization without traction in improving range of motion and decreasing the pain in patients with neck pain.