An integrative treatment approach of a patient with cervical radiculitis: A case report

J Chiropr Med. 2005 Spring;4(2):97-102. doi: 10.1016/S0899-3467(07)60119-0.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case report of the use of 3 treatment methods for treatment of cervical radiculitis; manual intermittent traction, instrumental chiropractic spinal manipulation, and interferential therapy.

Clinical features: A 54-year-old man experienced neck and left arm pain with positive orthopedic tests indicating cervical spinal nerve root involvement; he was diagnosed with cervical radiculitis

Intervention and outcome: The patient received 10 treatments over a period of 8 weeks. Instrumental spinal manipulation, manual intermittent traction, and interferential therapy were integrated as a treatment plan for the patient. The patient's condition appeared to resolve. Outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, weeks 3, 5, and 8. Neck Disability Index scores were 32%, 14%, 8%, and 4% respectively, and the Visual Analog Scales were 8.5/10, 2.0/10, 1.0/10, and 0.5/10. The symptoms of cervical radiculitis was resolved in an 8 week period after 10 treatments.

Conclusion: The integration of instrumental spinal manipulation, manual intermittent traction, and interferential may work well together for patients with similar signs and symptoms as presented in this case.