The Effectiveness of Home Cervical Traction on Relief of Neck Pain and Impaired Cervical Range of Motion: A Single Subject Design
Published in The Journal of Physical Therapy Case Reports vol. 2 No. 4 Sept 1999
A Single Patient
Case Design
Introduction: Documentation of modality effectiveness is
essential for clinicians in clinical decision making and for insurance
companies in structuring reimbursement policies. Home cervical traction for the
relief of neck pain and decreased cervical range of motion (CROM) has received
limited attention.
Purposes: The primary purpose of this study was to
investigate the effectiveness of home cervical traction on relief of neck pain
and CROM. A second purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly
patented home cervical traction unit known as CycleTrac.
Method: A single subject design (AB AB AB with removal of treatment)
was used to compare treatment and no-treatment conditions.
·
A-phase
was 3 days of no-treatment
·
B-phase
was 7 consecutive days of CycleTrac traction therapy, 20
minutes three times daily.
·
CycleTrac force of 30 pounds, cycled
at 50 seconds on and 10 seconds off in the supine position.
·
30
days total (or 3 full AB phases)
Case Description:
·
A
healthy 49 year old active male, 5’9”, 160 pounds.
·
10
year history of neck pain without radiculopathy
·
Left
arm and shoulder pain began 1 month prior to study.
·
Put
on short term disability from his desk job due to high pain levels
·
MRI
revealed central bulging discs C3-4, C5-6, and C6-7 levels with anterior thecal
sac effacement.
·
Medications:
Vicoden for pain and Naprosyn as an anti-inflammatory
·
10
minute sitting tolerance, 5 minute driving tolerance, could not bend neck to
shave.
·
Experienced
nightly interruptions of normal sleeping habit. Unable to sleep on his left or
right side.
Results:
Prior to participating in the study the patient
attended one month of physical therapy (three times per week). The therapy
included, heating pad, Cervical Traction (22 lbs. to 28 lbs. by the 8th
visit, intermittent 30:10 x 20 min.), Ultra Sound, and massage.
Within one week of starting CycleTrac home
traction therapy the patient’s sleeping habits began to improve and by the end
of the second week he returned to normal sleeping habits. After two weeks the
patient was able to function without anti-inflammatory and pain medications.
After 30 days of participation in the CycleTrac research project (in
conjunction with physical therapy) the patient became pain free and was able to
resume normal activities.
Graphic Results:
Pain Ratings After CycleTrac Treatment
Cervical ROM Over 30 Days
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the successful use of the CycleTrac intermittent home cervical traction unit as
assisting this patient in alleviation of pain, return to normal sleeping
habits, reducing the need for medication, and increasing neck range of motion.
Acknowledgements:
Polly Baker, P.T., M.S.
Advanced Physical Therapist
Flint, Michigan
Dr. Beth Marcoux, P.T., Ph.D.
Oakland University
Rochester Michigan
Dr. Beth Domholdt, P.T., EdD
Krannert School of Physical Therapy
University of Indianapolis, Indiana
Anthony D’Amico, BSME
Product Designer
PT Products, LLC
