EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIAL NERVE MOBILISATION WITH CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS WITH RADICULOPATHY: A RANDOMISED COMPARATIVE PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative disorder leading to cervical radiculopathy. Conventional physiotherapy provides symptomatic relief but may not address altered neurodynamics. Radial nerve mobilisation has been proposed as an adjunctive therapy, though limited evidence exists. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of radial nerve mobilisation plus conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy alone in cervical spondylosis with radiculopathy in a pilot study. Materials and Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study was conducted on 40 patients with cervical spondylosis with radial nerve radiculopathy. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group A (radial nerve mobilisation + conventional physiotherapy) and Group B (conventional physiotherapy alone). Interventions were given thrice weekly for four weeks. Pain (VAS) and disability (NDI) were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Data were analysed using paired and independent t-tests. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements (p<0.001). Group A showed greater reduction in VAS (7.2±0.8 to 2.1±0.6) and NDI (38.5±5.2 to 14.2±4.6) compared to Group B (VAS 7.1±0.7 to 3.8±0.9; NDI 37.9±5.0 to 20.6±5.3). Conclusion: Radial nerve mobilisation combined with conventional physiotherapy appears more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone in cervical radiculopathy. As this was a pilot study, larger multicentric trials are warranted.