Zeitschrift für neuartige Physiotherapien

Abstrakt

Manual Therapy and Acupuncture in the Treatment of Patient with Cervical Spondylosis with Radicular Pain- Case Report

Sokunbi OG

Backgrounds: Recently, studies have shown that acupuncture combined with manual therapy is effective for the treatment of cervical spondylotic with radicular pain. Both acupuncture and exercise have been reported to have significant effects on reducing pain and improving quality of life among neck pain sufferers. Recent guideline recommends physical therapy (in the form of manipulative therapy and exercise) and acupuncture among other interventions for the management of cervical radiculopathy.

Aim: The aim of this study is to present the use of manipulative therapy and exercise therapy alongside acupuncture, in a single case report of a patient with a C6/7 disc prolapse and radiculopathy.

Methods: A case report following sessions of manipulative therapy and exercise therapy administered thrice weekly over 6 weeks, alongside manipulative therapy for the treatment of a single patient with cervical spondylotic with radicular pain. Outcome measures used was Neck pain and disability (NPAD) scale which measured pain intensity, impact of neck pain on functions, activities of daily living (ADL) and emotion.

Results: The outcome of treatment showed that NPRS improved from 8/10 from the start of the treatment to 0/10 at the end of six weeks of treatment. Pain intensity and impacts of pain on functions improve by 100% while the impact of pain on ADL and emotion improve by more than 60% at the end of 6 weeks treatment. Patient was to be able to sleep comfortably at night and able to drive without neck pain.

Conclusion: Combination of manual therapy and acupuncture treatment was beneficial in reducing pain, improving function, ADL in patient with cervical spondylotic with radicular pain in this case study. However, the long term and short term efficacy of using these treatment modalities either singly or in combination with a nonintervention control group is further warranted.