Abstract

Background: Mechanical neck dysfunction (MND) affects approximately two-thirds of people in middle age caused by placing abnormal stress and strain on the structures that constitute the vertebral column. Cervical traction is one of the treatment options in physical therapy treatment for patients with MND. The traction type is an important variable that affects traction outcomes.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of intermittent and continuous traction on pain, disability, and neck range of motion in patients with mechanical neck dysfunction.
Methods: Forty-five patients suffering from mechanical neck dysfunction, Aged from 20 to 40 years. Patients were randomly assigned into three equal groups. Group (A) received a traditional physical therapy program; Group (B) received intermittent traction in addition to a traditional physical therapy program; Group (C) received continuous traction in addition to the traditional physical therapy program. They were evaluated pre and post treatment for pain severity by visual analogue scale, neck disability using neck disability index, and cervical range of motions by bubble inclinometer.
Results: There were significant improvements in all groups after intervention relieving pain and improve functional disability and increase range of motion in favor of group B. Alpha level was set at (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The group that received intermittent traction had the greatest improvement in pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and neck disability in patients with MND than other groups.