Physical Therapy Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
ABSTRACT: Cervical radiculopathy is a neurological disorder characterized by nerve root impingement resulting in radiating upper extremity pain, sensory deficits, and motor impairments. Although conservative management is widely supported, limited research exists examining the combined effects of mechanical traction and neural mobilization. The purpose of this case report was to describe the outcomes of a multimodal rehabilitation program incorporating cervical traction with nerve glides in a patie nt with chronic cervical radiculopathy and complex medical history.The patient was a 56-year-old female presenting with six months of progressive left-sided cervical pain radiating to the fingertips, reporting pain up to 10/10 on the NPRS and significant functional limitations. Examination findings were consistent with cervical radiculopathy, including positive findings on the Wainner test cluster and positive findings on NCS/EMG. A phased intervention approach was implemented focusing on pain modulation, neural mobility, scapular strengthening, postural retraining, and graded cervical and thoracic mobilization. Mechanical traction was initiated at 10 lbs with intermittent holds, and neural glides were performed during traction.Clinically meaningful impro vements were observed. NPRS decreased from 6/10 to 0/10, exceeding the 2.2-point MCID. Cervical range of motion normalized, strength improved, and the Neck Disability Index score reduced from mild disability 7 to 0. The patient was discharged without radi cular symptoms and returned to functional independence. This case supports the use of a multimodal rehabilitation approach integrating traction and neural mobilization for cervical radiculopathy and highlights the need for further research examining combi ned intervention strategies.
Recommended Citation
Chase, Benjamin, "Physical Therapy Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 8.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/8
Physical Therapy Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy
ABSTRACT: Cervical radiculopathy is a neurological disorder characterized by nerve root impingement resulting in radiating upper extremity pain, sensory deficits, and motor impairments. Although conservative management is widely supported, limited research exists examining the combined effects of mechanical traction and neural mobilization. The purpose of this case report was to describe the outcomes of a multimodal rehabilitation program incorporating cervical traction with nerve glides in a patie nt with chronic cervical radiculopathy and complex medical history.The patient was a 56-year-old female presenting with six months of progressive left-sided cervical pain radiating to the fingertips, reporting pain up to 10/10 on the NPRS and significant functional limitations. Examination findings were consistent with cervical radiculopathy, including positive findings on the Wainner test cluster and positive findings on NCS/EMG. A phased intervention approach was implemented focusing on pain modulation, neural mobility, scapular strengthening, postural retraining, and graded cervical and thoracic mobilization. Mechanical traction was initiated at 10 lbs with intermittent holds, and neural glides were performed during traction.Clinically meaningful impro vements were observed. NPRS decreased from 6/10 to 0/10, exceeding the 2.2-point MCID. Cervical range of motion normalized, strength improved, and the Neck Disability Index score reduced from mild disability 7 to 0. The patient was discharged without radi cular symptoms and returned to functional independence. This case supports the use of a multimodal rehabilitation approach integrating traction and neural mobilization for cervical radiculopathy and highlights the need for further research examining combi ned intervention strategies.