Outcome of Manual Traction in Patients with Cervicogenic Dizziness and Neck Pain

Abstract

Objective:  Symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness include instability, unsteadiness, confusion, neck soreness, and limited cervical range of motion (ROM). We evaluated the outcome of manual traction in patients presenting with dizziness and neck pain. Materials and Methods:   50 patients included who had dizziness and neck pain with a reduced range of cervical motion. Patients had sessions of manual traction after pre-treatment evaluation. Patients included in the study after history and physical examination were sent to the otorhinology department to rule out the vestibular cause of dizziness.  Patients were sent to the Physiotherapy department for manual traction. Pain and dizziness were assessed from VAS and DHI scores. Results:  There were 28 male and 22 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 23.92 ± 11.39 years. The mean VAS scores (dizziness) were 46, 31, and 14 before treatment, at one week, and at one month, respectively. The mean VAS scores (pain) were 40, 21, and 8 before treatment, at one week, and at one month, respectively. The mean DHI scores (for dizziness disability) were 47.5, 34, and 21, at one week and at one month, respectively. There existed a significant difference (p < 0.00001) between the VAS and DHI scores before the treatment and post-treatment of follow-up at one week and at one month. Conclusion:  Patients with cervicogenic dizziness who were treated with manual traction improved considerably in terms of dizziness severity, pain relief, and a low score on the dizziness handicap index, indicating better psychological and functional well-being. Keywords:  Cervicogenic Dizziness (CGD), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Manual Traction Protocol.