MRI impression : patient of cervical spondylitis with c5 c6 c7 disc herniation indenting subarachnoid space. Age 40 yrs, Spinal stenosis lumbar region 2years back treated with medicaion and exercise.
Now my query is about cervical traction can be given to this patient with interferential therapy followed by neck exercises. or only steroid medication effective for this condition.
Spondylitis, this term means spinal infection. so do you mean spinal infection or you aimed to spondylosis (degenerative changes)??????
meaning inflammation in the facet joints of the vertebrae. Its not a infection.
Given the amount of clinical information provided thus far, I do not see a contraindication however; given additional data, my opinion may change.
So it is Spondylosis and the degenerative changes in the facet joints either monosegmental or multisegments. If the is no neurological finding (Myelopathy or radiculopathy) traction may improve the patient radicular symptoms.
I agree entirely with the concerns of Dr. Abdel-Ghany. The misunderstanding originates from the simple fact, that some/many authors use incorrectly the term ending "...itis" for degenerative conditions. The degenerative conditions everywhere in the human body (not only spine and joints) should be denominated with "...osis". In my opinion cervical spondylosis and spondylarthrosis can be treated by cervical traction and physiotherapy, unless serious segmental instability and neurologic deficit are present. In the latter cases surgical treatment should be considered.
Yes, traction definitely would be my first choice. It's a routine in my Dept. for years. Since 2010 the NASS Guidelines also recommend it for degenerative conditions. However, close monitoring is necessary in order to stop it if clinical signs are worsening (for instance, in cases with a huge root axilar hernia). Simultaneous muscular strengthening exercises are also reccomended.
Please, in my previous answer read "lateral to the root ", instead of axilar.
The nerve then may be compressed even more with traction.
if the A-P diameter of the spinal canal is smaller than 10mm and the posterior longitudinal ligament is calcified, Spinal cord injury can occur during the traction process. How much is the spinal canal narrow?
Gentle rhythmic manual traction by an osteopath or hands-on-physio should help all but the most severe cases of cervical spondylosis together with soft tissue work.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Correction