Treatment of cervical radiculopathy with flexion distraction.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the nonsurgical treatment of a cervical disk herniation with flexion distraction manipulation.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A case study of cervical disk syndrome with radicular symptoms is presented. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large C5-C6 disk herniation. Degenerative changes at the affected level were demonstrated on cervical spine plain film radiographs.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The patient received treatment in the form of flexion distraction manipulation and adjunctive therapies. A complete resolution of the patient's subjective complaints was achieved.

CONCLUSION

Flexion distraction has been a technique associated with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine. Flexion distraction applied to the cervical spine might be an effective therapy in the treatment of cervical disk herniations. Although further controlled studies are needed, treatment of cervical disk syndromes with flexion distraction might be a viable form of conservative care.