Increasing the cervical lordosis with chiropractic biophysics seated combined extension-compression and transverse load cervical traction with cervical manipulation: nonrandomized clinical control trial

BACKGROUND: Cervical lordosis has been shown to be an important outcome of care; however, few conservative methods of rehabilitating sagittal cervical alignment have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To study whether a seated, retracted, extended, and compressed position would cause tension in the anterior cervical ligament, anterior disk, and muscle structures, and thereby restore cervical lordosis or increase the curvature in patients with loss of the cervical lordosis. Study design: Nonrandomized, prospective, clinical control trial. METHODS: Thirty preselected patients, after diagnostic screening for tolerance to cervical extension with compression, were treated for the first 3 weeks of care using cervical manipulation and a new type of cervical extension-compression traction (vertical weight applied to the subject's forehead in the sitting position with a transverse load at the area of kyphosis). Pretreatment and posttreatment Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain ratings were compared along with pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cervical radiographs analyzed with the posterior tangent method for changes in alignment. Results are compared to a control group of 33 subjects receiving no treatment and matched for age, sex, weight, height, and pain. RESULTS: Control subjects reported no change in VAS pain ratings and had no statistical significant change in segmental or global cervical alignment on comparative lateral cervical radiographs (difference in all angle mean values < 1.3 degrees ) repeated an average of 8.5 months later. For the traction group, VAS ratings were 4.1 pretreatment and 1.1 posttreatment. On comparative lateral cervical radiographs repeated after an average of 38 visits over 14.6 weeks, 10 angles and 2 distances showed statistically significant improvements, including anterior head weight bearing (mean improvement of 11 mm), Cobb angle at C2-C7 (mean improvement of -13.6 degrees ), and the angle of intersection of the posterior tangents at C2-C7 (mean improvement of 17.9 degrees ). Twenty-one (70%) of the treatment group subjects were followed for an additional 14 months; improvements in cervical lordosis and anterior weight bearing were maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Chiropractic biophysics (CBP) technique's extension-compression 2-way cervical traction combined with spinal manipulation decreased chronic neck pain intensity and improved cervical lordosis in 38 visits over 14.6 weeks, as indicated by increases in segmental and global cervical alignment. Anterior head weight-bearing was reduced by 11 mm; Cobb angles averaged an increase of 13 degrees to 14 degrees; and the angle of intersection of posterior tangents on C2 and C7 averaged 17.9 degrees of improvement.     

Changes in sagittal lumbar configuration with a new method of extension traction: nonrandomized clinical controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a new method of lumbar extension traction can increase lordosis in chronic low back pain (LBP) subjects with decreased lordosis. DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled trial with follow-up at 3 months and 1(1/2) years. SETTING: Primary care spine clinic in Nevada. PATIENTS: Beginning in mid-1998, the first 48 consecutive patients, who met the inclusion criteria of chronic LBP with decreased lordosis and who completed the treatment program were matched for sex, age, height, weight, and pain scores to 30 control subjects with chronic LBP, who received no treatment. INTERVENTIONS: A new form of 3-point bending lumbar extension traction was provided in-office 3 to 4 times a week for 12+/-4 weeks. Per session, traction duration was started at 3 minutes and was increased to a maximum of 20 minutes. For short-term pain relief, torsion lumbar spinal manipulation was provided in the initial 3 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain as measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) and standing lateral lumbar radiographic measurements. RESULTS: Pain scales and radiographic measurements did not change in the control subjects. In the traction group, VAS ratings decreased from mean +/- standard deviation of 4.4+/-1.9 pretreatment to 0.6+/-0.9 posttreatment (P<.001), and radiographic angles (except at T12-L1) showed statistically significant changes. Mean changes were 5.7 degrees at L4-5 (P<.001), 11.3 degrees between posterior tangents on L1 and L5 (P<.001), 9.1 degrees in Cobb angle at T12-S1 (P<.001), 4.6 degrees in pelvic tilt (P<.001), and 4.7 degrees in Ferguson's sacral base angle (P<.001). At long-term follow-up (17(1/2)mo), 34 of the 48 (71%) subjects returned. Improvements in lordosis were maintained in all 34. CONCLUSIONS: This new method of lumbar extension traction is the first nonsurgical rehabilitative procedure to show increases in lumbar lordosis in chronic LBP subjects with hypolordosis. The fact that there was no change in control subjects' lumbar lordosis indicates the stability of the lumbar lordosis and the repeatability of x-ray procedures. Because, on average, chronic LBP patients have hypolordosis, additional randomized trials should be performed to evaluate the clinical significance of restoration of the lumbar lordosis in chronic LBP subjects.     

Restoring cervical lordosis by cervical extension traction methods in the treatment of cervical spine disorders: a systematic review of controlled trials

[Purpose] To systematically review the literature on the use of cervical extension traction methods for increasing cervical lordosis in those with hypolordosis and cervical spine disorders. [Methods] Literature searches for controlled clinical trials were performed in Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane, and ICL databases. Search terms included iterations related to the cervical spine, neck pain and disorders, and extension traction rehabilitation. [Results] Of 1,001 initially located articles, 9 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The trials demonstrated increases in radiographically measured lordosis of 12–18°, over 5–15 weeks, after 15–60 treatment sessions. Untreated controls/comparison groups not receiving extension traction showed no increase in cervical lordosis. Several trials demonstrated that both traction and comparison treatment groups experienced immediate pain relief. Traction treatment groups maintained their pain and disability improvements up to 1.5 years later. Comparative groups not receiving lordosis improvement experienced regression of symptoms towards pre-treatment values by 1 years’ follow-up. [Conclusion] There are several high-quality controlled clinical trials substantiating that increasing cervical lordosis by extension traction as part of a spinal rehabilitation program reduces pain and disability and improves functional measures, and that these improvements are maintained long-term. Comparative groups who receive multimodal rehabilitation but not extension traction experience temporary relief that regresses after treatment cessation.     

Cervical traction combined with neural mobilization for patients with cervical radiculopathy: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAlthough both neural mobilization (NM) and cervical traction (CT) are widely used interventions in cervical radiculopathy (CR), there is limited clinical data to support their use.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of CT, with or without the addition of NM, on pain, function, and disability in patients with CR.DesignA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Methods66 patients with CR were randomly allocated to: a group (n = 22) received CT combined with NM (CT + NM), a group (n = 22) received CT combined with sham NM (CT + shamNM) and a wait-list control (WLC) group (n = 22). The Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), grip strength and cervical spine mobility were used as outcome measures. A two-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences between the three groups at baseline and at 4-week follow-up.ResultsStatistically and clinically significant between-group differences at 4-week follow-up were found between CT + NM and WLC groups in favor of CT + NM group in NDI scores (d = 1.30), NRPS (d = 1.94), and active cervical rotation towards the opposite arm (d = 1.18) and between CT + NM and CT + shamNM groups in favor of CT + NM group in NRPS (d = 1.21). No significant differences were observed between CT + shamNM and WLC groups in all outcome measures. Clinically significant within-group improvements were found only for the CT + NM group.ConclusionAt 4-week follow-up, CT in combination with NM resulted in improved outcomes in pain, function and disability in patients with CR.     

Effectiveness of translational manipulation under interscalene block for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder: A nonrandomized clinical trial

Study Design: Nonrandomized controlled trial. Objective: To determine whether translational manipulation under anesthesia/local block (TMUA) adds to the benefit of mobilization and range of motion exercise for improving pain and functional status among patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC). Background: TMUA has been shown to improve pain and dysfunction in patients with AC. This intervention has not been directly compared to physical therapy treatment without TMUA in a prospective trial. Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with a primary diagnosis of AC were divided into two groups. Patients in the first (TMUA) group received a session of translational manipulation under interscalene block, followed by six sessions of manipulation and exercise. Patients in the comparison group received seven sessions of manipulation and exercise. Outcome measures taken at baseline and 3, 6, 12 months and 4 years included Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores. Four-year outcomes included percent of normal ratings, medication use, and activity limitations. Results: Both groups showed improved SPADI scores across all follow-up times compared to baseline. The TMUA group showed a greater improvement in SPADI scores than the comparison group at 3 weeks, with no significant differences in SPADI scores at other time points. However, at 4 years, significantly more subjects in the comparison group (5 of 8) had activity limitations versus subjects in the TMUA group (1 of 8). No subject experienced a complication from either intervention protocol. Conclusion: Physical therapy consisting of manual therapy and exercise provides benefit for patients with AC. Translational manipulation under local block may be a useful adjunct to manual therapy and exercise for patients with AC.     

The effect of direction specific thoracic spine manipulation on the cervical spine: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To determine the difference on neck outcomes with directional manipulation to the thoracic spine. There is evidence that thoracic spine manipulation is effective in treating patients with neck pain. However, there is no research that determines if the assessment of directional hypomobility and the selection of thrust direction offer improved outcomes.

Methods: A total of 69 patients with cervical spine pain were randomly assigned to receive either a manipulation that was consistent with their thoracic spine motion loss (matched) or opposite their motion loss (unmatched). The patient was given care consistent with the orthopedic section guidelines for neck pain and the physical therapist’s clinical reasoning. Baseline outcome measures (NPRS, NDI, GROC) were taken and reassessed two days and two weeks after treatment.

Results: Both groups had positive results when pain, neck disability index, and global rating of change were assessed. There was no difference between the matched and unmatched groups.

Discussion: Directional manipulation of hypomobile thoracic spine segments may not be required to improved outcomes in patients with neck pain. Future studies should assess a variety of factors when determining the best available treatment, including manual therapy procedures, exercise, and patient selection.

Level of Evidence: 1b.     

仰头摇正法配合压灸治疗椎动脉型颈椎病疗效观察

目的:观察仰头摇正手法配合压灸法治疗椎动脉型颈椎病的近期、远期疗效。方法:椎动脉型颈椎病患者90例随机分为联合组、手法组及压灸组各30例,联合组予手法联合压灸法治疗,手法组、压灸组分别予手法或压灸治疗。治疗前后运用眩晕评估评分量表(DARS)、眩晕残障评估量表(DHI)和经颅多普勒超声(TCD)进行基底动脉(BA)、左侧椎动脉(LVA)、右侧椎动脉(RVA)的平均血流速度(Vm)的变化疗效评估,并随访至疗程结束后3个月,观察患者眩晕复发情况。结果:治疗20次后,3组DHI评分、DARS评分及BA、LVA、RVA的Vm均较治疗前明显下降(P<0.05);且联合组更低于手法组及压灸组(P<0.05),手法组与压灸组比较差异无统计学意义。随访3个月,联合组复发率及DHI评分明显低于手法组及压灸组(P<0.05),手法组与压灸组比较差异无统计学意义。结论:仰头摇正法结合压灸法治疗椎动脉型颈椎病疗效显著并可减少复发,改善患者生活质量,值得于临床中运用推广。     

Conservative methods for reducing lateral translation postures of the head: a nonrandomized clinical control trial

Fifty-one retrospective, consecutive patients were compared to twenty-six prospective volunteer controls in a nonrandomized clinical control trial. Both groups had chronic neck pain and lateral head translation posture. For treatment subjects, beginning and follow-up pain scales and anteroposterior (AP) cervical radiographs were obtained after 12.8 weeks of care (average of 37 visits), while the duration was a mean of 12 months for control subjects. Digitized radiographs were analyzed for Risser-Ferguson angles and a horizontal translation distance of C2 from a vertical line through T3. For treatment, patients received the Harrison mirror-image postural methods, which include mechanically assisted manipulation, opposite head posture exercise, and opposite head translation posture traction. While no significant differences were found in the control group subjects' pain scores and AP radiographic measurements, statistically significant improvements were observed in the treatment group subjects' pain scores and lateral translation displacements of C2 compared to T3 (pretrial score: 13.7 mm, posttrial score: 6.8 mm) and in angle measurements.     

Immediate effects on electromyographic activity and pressure pain thresholds after a cervical manipulation in mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the immediate effects of a manipulation of C5/C6 level on electromyography (EMG) of the deltoid muscle and in pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in patients with mechanical neck pain.

Methods

Thirty-seven subjects with mechanical neck pain were randomly divided into 2 groups: manipulative group, which received a cervical spine manipulation targeted to C5/C6 segment, and a control group, which did not receive any procedure. Outcomes were EMG data of the deltoid muscle (rest, isometric contraction for 5 or 30 seconds, and isotonic contraction) and PPT over upper trapezius and deltoid muscles and C5 spinous process. They were assessed before and 5 minutes after treatment by a blinded assessor. A 3-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of the manipulation.

Results

A significant group time interaction for MF at the beginning of isometric contraction for 30 seconds (F = 7.957, P = .006) was also found: the manipulative group experienced a greater increase in MF at the beginning of the isometric contraction than did the control group. A significant group time interaction was also found for root mean square during isometric contraction for 30 seconds (P = .003); however, changes were small. Patients within the manipulative group experienced an increase on PPT over the deltoid (P = .010) and C5 spinous process (P = .025), but not over upper trapezius (P = .776).

Conclusions

Manipulation at C5/C6 level in the study participants seemed to increase EMG amplitude signal and fatigue resistance in a nonspinal (deltoid) muscle innervated by the same segment in patients with mechanical neck pain. However, these changes were relative small. An increase on PPT over those tissues innervated by the manipulated segment was also found after the manipulative procedure.     

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.MethodsThis study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute, Damanhour, Egypt. The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control). The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule, electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters, and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet. All parturients received ordinary pre-operative care. For the intervention group, a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20–30 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section. The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.ResultsSystolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5–15 min. Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group. Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min. Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.ConclusionLower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.     

Effects of cervical manipulation on pain,grip force control,and upper extremity muscle activity: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Individuals with neck pain experience disrupted grip force control when performing manipulative tasks. Manipulative physical therapy might decrease pain and change the activity of surrounding muscles; however, its effect on upper limb motor control remains undetermined. This study aims to analyze the effects of cervical manipulation on pressure pain threshold (PPT), upper extremity muscle activity along with grip force control in individuals with neck pain.

Methods: Thirty subjects with neck pain were instructed to grasp and lift an object before and after cervical (n = 15) or sham (n = 15) manipulation. The patients’ PPT, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper extremity/scapular muscles, and grip force control were analyzed before and after one session of manipulation.

Results: No significant differences were found in the grip force control, PPT and EMG activity variables between groups.

Discussion: These results suggest that a single session of cervical manipulation may not modify upper limb motor control, more specifically grip force control and EMG activity, in patients with cervical pain. Future studies should investigate potential changes in grip force control in patients with different features of neck pain and/or by applying long-term treatment.

Level of Evidence: 1b.     

Goodley polyaxial cervical traction. A new approach to a traditional treatment

A cervical traction system is discussed that offers advantages over traditional methods of applying cervical traction. The major advantage of this system is that it allows precise application of traction to only the restricted spinal segments. Because of this specificity, traction may be applied at reduced force, decreasing the risk of injury. The traction apparatus is adjusted easily to the individual and may be used in the clinic or at home. My experience with the apparatus has shown greater patient compliance, resulting in increased treatment effectiveness, when compared with traditional traction methods. Four representative case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of this traction system. Closely controlled studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness and safety of this traction system.     

A new and rapid method for epistaxis treatment using injectable form of tranexamic acid topically: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

Epistaxis is a common problem in the emergency department (ED). Sixty percent of people experience it at least once in their life. There are different kinds of treatment for epistaxis. This study intended to evaluate the topical use of injectable form of tranexamic acid vs anterior nasal packing with pledgets coated with tetracycline ointment.

Methods

Topical application of injectable form of tranexamic acid (500 mg in 5 mL) was compared with anterior nasal packing in 216 patients with anterior epistaxis presented to an ED in a randomized clinical trial. The time needed to arrest initial bleeding, hours needed to stay in hospital, and any rebleeding during 24 hours and 1 week later were recorded, and finally, the patient satisfaction was rated by a 0-10 scale.

Results

Within 10 minutes of treatment, bleedings were arrested in 71% of the patients in the tranexamic acid group, compared with 31.2% in the anterior nasal packing group (odds ratio, 2.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.68-3.09; P < .001). In addition, 95.3% in the tranexamic acid group were discharged in 2 hours or less vs 6.4% in the anterior nasal packing group (P < .001). Rebleeding was reported in 4.7% and 11% of patients during first 24 hours in the tranexamic acid and the anterior nasal packing groups, respectively (P = .128). Satisfaction rate was higher in the tranexamic acid compared with the anterior nasal packing group (8.5 ± 1.7 vs 4.4 ± 1.8, P < .001).

Conclusions

Topical application of injectable form of tranexamic acid was better than anterior nasal packing in the initial treatment of idiopathic anterior epistaxis.     

腰椎多方位快速牵引与腰椎纵向牵引临床疗效的对比研究

目的:本研究的目的是通过与腰椎纵向牵引比较,评价多方位快速牵引的临床疗效。方法:本研究为前瞻性随机对照研究。120例确诊为腰椎间盘突出症的患者被随机分为2组,分别进行多方位快速牵引和纵向牵引的治疗,在治疗前、治疗后4周和1年后进行活动能力(RMDQ)、疼痛程度(VAS)和直腿抬高试验(SLRangle)检查。RMDQ提高超过3分,VAS提高超过20分,就被认为临床有效。结果:多方位快速牵引和纵向牵引均可使腰椎间盘突出症患者的RMDQ,VAS和SLR angle评分产生明显的改善(均有P<0.05),两种方法的改善效果相似(P>0.05),但前者对活动能力(RMDQ)的改善更明显(P<0.05)。临床疗效与患者的年龄、病程有关,但与突出大小、突出节段和类型的关系不大。所有的患者在治疗1年后症状都没有恶化。结论:多方位快速牵引可更好的改善患者症状,且疗程短、见效快,是治疗腰椎间盘突出症的一种良好的保守疗法。     

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on vulvo‐vaginal discharge for family healthcare workers: A nonrandomized controlled trial

Women's delay in seeking medical advice for abnormal vaginal discharge can cause serious effects such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and advanced cervical cancer. Family healthcare workers are in a unique position to help in the promotion of vaginal health. A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted among a sample of family healthcare workers in the intervention (n = 37) and a control (n = 37) group to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention, which was a 2‐day intensive workshop combining reading materials. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20), and the effectiveness of the intervention was determined using a mixed between‐within subjects analysis of variance. The total knowledge and attitude scores were significantly greater for family healthcare workers in the intervention group immediately and at 3 and 6 months after the educational intervention, compared to the control group. A substantial main effect was observed concerning the time, showing an increase in family healthcare workers' knowledge and attitude scores across the four time periods. A statistically significant difference in the median overall health education competency score across the two groups was also observed. The mean score differences in all sub‐competencies in health education were significantly higher among the intervention group, compared to the control group between second postintervention and the baseline. The educational intervention had revealed successful and sustainable improvements in family healthcare workers' knowledge, attitude on vaginal discharge, and health education competency. This can be implemented as an in‐service program for family healthcare workers to improve health education practices.