Transverse oscillatory pressure in management of cervical radiculopathy: A randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy is an important subgroup of neck disorders causing severe pain and disability. OBJECTIVES: The study assessed the effect of transverse oscillatory pressure (TOP) on pain intensity and functional disability of patients with cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: Twenty-six individuals with unilateral radiating neck pain were randomly allocated into Group A (8 males and 5 females) and Group B (6 males and 7 females). Participants in the two groups received kneading massage, cryotherapy, and active isometric exercises to the posterior paraspinal muscles, trapezuis, and sternomastoid muscles. TOP was administered to Group A, whereas Group B served as control. Treatment was applied three times per week for 4 weeks, making 12 treatment sessions for each participant. Visual analogue scale and Neck Disability Index were used to assess pain intensity and neck disability, respectively, at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in pain intensity and neck functional disability of patients between baseline, 2(nd) week, and 4(th) week of treatment sessions in Groups A and B (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in pain intensity in Group A (f = 7.08, p < 0.05) at the 2(nd) week and 4(th) week compared with Group B. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that TOP reduces pain faster in patients with cervical radiculopathy.