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Neck retractions, cervical root decompression, and radicular pain
1Texas Woman's University, School of Physical Therapy, Houston 77030-2897, USA.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Neck retractions may decompress cervical roots and reduce radicular pain in C7 patients, while reading exacerbates symptoms. H reflex changes correlate with pain intensity, indicating potential therapeutic benefits of neck exercises.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physical Therapy
- Pain Management
Background:
- Neck retraction exercises are common for neck pain.
- C7 radiculopathy involves nerve root compression.
- H reflex measures nerve excitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate changes in flexor carpi radialis H reflex after reading and neck retraction exercises.
- Correlate H reflex changes with radicular pain intensity in C7 radiculopathy.
Main Methods:
- Two-group repeated measures study design.
- 13 patients with C7 radiculopathy and 10 nonimpaired subjects.
- Measured flexor carpi radialis H reflex and pain intensity before and after reading and neck retractions.
Main Results:
- Neck retractions increased H reflex amplitude and decreased pain in C7 patients.
- Reading increased radicular symptoms and decreased H reflex amplitude.
- Strong association found between cervical root compression (smaller H reflexes) and increased pain, and decompression (larger H reflexes) and reduced pain.
Conclusions:
- Neck retractions may promote cervical root decompression and reduce radicular pain in C7 radiculopathy.
- Reading posture can exacerbate symptoms in these patients.
- H reflex amplitude changes correlate with pain modulation.