The Management of a Patient with a Cervical Disc Herniation: A Case Report

PURPOSE: To present the management of a patient with a cervical disc herniation and illustrate the efficacy of cervical traction as a main form of treatment for cervical disc herniation in conjunction with a home exercise program. BACKGROUND: A 71-year-old white female diagnosed with cervical disc herniation at the levels of C5-6 and C6-7 presented to physical therapy with neck pain radiating into the left upper extremity down to the 5th digit of the left hand. TREATMENT: The patient reported to outpatient physical therapy for cervical disc herniation and radiculopathy. After initial evaluation she received intermittent cervical traction and was given a home exercise program consisting of cervical lateral flexion stretch, unilateral wall stretch for pectoralis muscles and to continue with her over the door cervical traction. CONCLUSION: Cervical traction and a good home exercise program have been shown to reduce cervical disc herniation and its subsequent symptoms.