Effect of an intensive cervical traction protocol on mid-term disability and pain in patients with cervical radiculopathy: An exploratory, prospective, observational pilot study.

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a relatively common and disabling condition involving local pain in the neck region and pain that radiates into the upper limb. Recent data suggest that cervical traction may effectively reduce disability and pain, with a dose-response relationship. The main aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the mid-term effect of an intensive cervical traction protocol for patients with cervical radiculopathy on disability, and to compare the effects with those reported by non-intensive protocols in the literature.