The effect of neural tension technique versus neural sliding technique on pain and functional disability in cervical radiculopathy: A comparative study

Background: Neural mobilization techniques are widely used to evaluate, and improve the mechanical and neurophysiological integrity of peripheral nerves in clinical populations. This techniques includes combination of joint movements that promote either neural tensioning (through displacement of nerve endings in opposite directions), or sliding (through displacement of nerve endings in same direction).
It is a movement-based therapy, applied manually or via exercise. The nerve is mobilized relative to adjacent structures, with the aim of reducing symptoms through mechanisms that may be mechanical or neurophysiologic.
Aim and Objectives: To determine the better treatment option between neural tension technique and neural sliding technique on pain and functional disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Methods: Total 30 subjects had been participated in the study according to inclusion criteria, and then divided them into two groups (Group A and Group B). Outcome measure neck disability index, numerical pain rating scale and patient specific functional scale were taken before treatment. Group A was given neural tension technique and Group B was given neural sliding technique. After treatment outcome measure was taken. Statistical analysis was done by post outcome measures of both the techniques.
Result: Subjects in the neural tension technique group showed more improvement than neural sliding technique group. Thus neural tension technique has more significant effect on reducing Edema, hypoxia and other associated symptoms. In this way, it shows the improvement in numerical pain rating scale, Neck disability index and patient specific functional scale.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study concludes that the neural tension technique is more effective than neural sliding technique in the reduction of pain and functional disability.