ABSTRACT
Thirty-nine female patients with chronic (1-24 months) painful and limited neck movements were divided into two groups: a controlled group (n = 17) and a manipulated group (n = 22). In the controlled group, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) named Voltaren® was prescribed for the patients to take three times a day for three weeks. In the manipulated group, patients were treated with Voltaren® plus ratatory manipulation during cervical traction. All patients were screened to exclude pathologic neurological signs by physical examination and cervical roentgenograms. Patients in the manipulated group were put on an intermittent traction machine with 20 degrees flexion of the neck and ratatory manipulation of the cervical spine was carried out while a pull of 25 kilograms (kg) was exerted. Patients were manipulated twice weekly for six sessions (3 weeks). In the manipulated group, results showed a marked reduction of pain (5levels on a visual analygue scale). Degrees of active range of motion (ROM) of neck in all directions improved significantly (p < 0.001) before and/after the first treatment and/after the last treatment (mean + SD): flexion and extension = 108.13+14.48/114.81+12.62/125.40+10.04; lateral flexion to the left and right = 67.86+13.72/73.77+10.18/80.50+10.37; rotation to the left lateral flexors of the cervical spine were also significantly increased from the beginning (P<0.01): 3.92+1.79/4.74+1.80 kg in flexors, 6.97+2.67/8.28+2.05 kg in extensors, 4.28+1.52/5.38+1.35 kg in the left lateral flexors and 4.31+1.51/5.27+1.25 kg in the right lateral flexors. About five sessions (twice a week) should improve the condition. No significant change occurred in the controlled group.