Radiological evidence of the effectiveness of manual cervical traction on surface area of the cervical intervertebral foramina

ABSTRACT

Manual techniques that isolate the individual joints are often the preferred techniques used by physical therapists for different cervical problems. This is preferable when facet joints become restricted due to mechanical impingement. Mach of the literature is incomplete and seldom describes such things as exact techniques used, the body type and weight of the subjects, the force used, or the duration of the treatments. The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of thee manual cervical traction on opening the surface area of the intervertebral foraminae "IVF" measured by radiological images. Twenty six male participants were included in this study. Two X-ray images were taken, standard cervical image and the other during application of manual traction to the cervical area. Results showed significant differences of the surface area of the cervical IVF after application of manual traction. The results of this current research indicate that [1] Unilateral manual cervical traction is effective in opening of IVF of all cervical level, [2] Unilateral manual cervical traction causes more displacement of the IVF of the middle cervical vertebrae more than the upper cervical vertebrae