Effects of Cervical Distraction Versus Cervical Traction Techniques on Upper Cervical Pain

Distraction will be at suboccipital level and patients will ask to assume a supine position with the head on the plinth. The therapist will use fingertips in both hands from digits 2 through 5, and cups the suboccipital region of the patient and supports the posterior skull. The therapist provides a light distraction to the posterior skull. Distraction will be applied for 10 min with pull for 10 sec and5 sec will be applied. Prior to apply this technique all patients will receive 15 minutes of infrared with TENS at cervical spine. The total treatment session will be of 25 minute with total intervention period of 4 weeks with 5 sessions per week.

In cervical traction, patients will ask to lie supine on the treatment table. Head will cradle by physiotherapist from chin and the occiput, and then the physiotherapist will apply traction force in 25 degree neck flexion. Traction will be applied for 10 minutes with pull for 10 sec and 5 sec rest will be applied. Prior to apply this technique all patients will receive 15 minutes of infrared with TENS at cervical spine. The total treatment session will be of 25 min with total intervention period of 4 weeks with 5 sessions per week. All outcome measurements will be assessed before treatment and then reassessed at the end of 4th week.