Cervical Radiculopathy

This research aims to evaluate the effects of two different physical therapy techniques, Neuromuscular Reeducation NMR and Post Facilitation Stretch PFS, on Upper Cross Syndrome among IT professionals. The study involves adults aged 20 to 40 years who have been diagnosed with this condition and have experienced pain for at least two months. The goal is to compare these techniques for improving symptoms related to this syndrome. Participants are divided into two groups one group receives the NMR technique, which involves deep pressure along the muscles from origin to insertion combined with active movement and rest periods. The other group receives the PFS technique, which consists of isometric muscle contractions followed by rapid stretching and relaxation. Both groups also perform strengthening exercises for weak muscles as part of their treatment. The treatments are applied specifically to tight muscles including the levator scapulae, upper trapezius, and pectoralis major. Before treatment, baseline measurements are taken for neck range of motion ROM, pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale NPRS, and neck disability index. After two weeks of treatment, these measures are repeated to assess changes. Participants undergo assessments at the start and after two weeks to compare improvements. The study monitors neck function, pain levels, and disability related to the syndrome throughout the treatment period.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different voltage settings, 45 V and 60 V, for pulsed radiofrequency PRF treatment applied to the cervical dorsal root ganglion DRG in patients experiencing cervical radicular pain. This condition involves nerve pain radiating from the neck due to nerve root compression, often following inadequate response to conservative treatments. The study aims to compare pain relief and functional improvement between these two PRF voltage groups, while also monitoring any procedure-related side effects. Participants receive PRF treatment targeted at the cervical DRG under fluoroscopic guidance. Both groups undergo a similar procedure involving local anesthesia and sensory stimulation to confirm correct needle placement. The PRF is then applied for 240 seconds at a maximum temperature of 42C, with either 45 V or 60 V applied depending on the assigned group. After the procedure, patients are observed for 60 minutes before discharge. The study uses a randomized, parallel design to compare these two active treatment groups. Participants pain levels are measured using the Numerical Rating Scale NRS, and functional disability is assessed with the Neck Disability Index NDI before treatment and at 3 and 6 months afterward. Researchers also record any adverse events related to the procedure throughout the follow-up period. This allows assessment of both the effectiveness and safety of each voltage setting. The total study duration spans from the initial treatment through the 6-month follow-up assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the use of high-resolution 7 Tesla MRI imaging of the spine to better distinguish bone spurs from disc material and to more clearly show compressed nerves in the neuroforamen compared to standard 3 Tesla MRI. This study aims to provide surgeons with detailed anatomical images before surgery, potentially reducing the need for CT scans when bone anatomy is crucial. Participants undergo a 7 Tesla MRI scan of the spine, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure. The study compares the 7 Tesla MRIs ability to differentiate compressed nerves with that of the 3 Tesla MRI over a two-year period. This observational study does not involve treatment but focuses on imaging evaluation. During the study, participants will have MRI scans and may provide informed consent for participation. Researchers will assess imaging details to measure how well the 7 Tesla MRI depicts nerve compression compared to standard imaging. The primary outcome is the differentiation of compressed nerves in the neuroforamen over two years. Participants involvement length and visit frequency depend on the imaging schedule and clinical needs.

Researchers are investigating the use of vagus nerve stimulation VNS combined with rehabilitation to improve arm movement after an ischemic stroke. This clinical trial compares active VNS paired with rehabilitation against a sham VNS with no electrical stimulation, also combined with rehabilitation, to assess their effects on upper extremity motor function in stroke patients. The study is conducted with a triple-blind, randomized, sham-controlled design and aims to evaluate both safety and efficacy.

Researchers are evaluating a new way to provide preoperative information to patients who are candidates for spinal or urological surgery. This study is an interventional, randomized controlled trial conducted at multiple centers. It aims to compare a new multimedia-based method that objectively checks patient understanding against the standard informed consent process to see which better supports patient decision-making about surgery. Participants in the experimental group will receive detailed information through videos with surgical options, graphics, and animations. They will also have interviews with the surgeon and caregivers using 3D-printed models to guide shared decision-making. After deciding on surgery, patients will join educational programs to reinforce understanding before a final surgeon interview and signing of informed consent. The control group will receive the usual care, including a standard explanatory interview and consent signing. Throughout the study, participants will complete questionnaires assessing satisfaction, comprehension, mental health, pain, disability, urinary and sexual function, and legal outcomes at multiple time points before surgery, at discharge, and at two and six months after surgery. The research team will monitor these measures to evaluate the impact of the new method on patient understanding and decision satisfaction over time.

This research aims to compare two manual therapy techniques, Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain, in adults aged 18 to 45 years who experience non-specific neck pain. The study focuses on how these treatments affect pain levels, neck range of motion, the cranio-vertebral angle, and disability. Neck pain is a common problem worldwide and in Pakistan, often caused by muscle strain or poor posture, leading to discomfort and reduced quality of life. This trial seeks to provide insights into which technique may better improve symptoms and function in affected individuals. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A will receive the Active Release Technique applied to the trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and suboccipital muscles for 15 minutes. Group B will receive the Strain-Counterstrain technique on the same muscles and for the same duration. Both groups will also receive hot packs, stretching of superficial neck muscles, and neck isometric exercises. Treatments will be given over four weeks, with assessments at the start and end of this period. During the study, participants will be evaluated for pain using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, neck disability with the Neck Disability Index, neck posture by measuring the cranio-vertebral angle, and neck mobility with a goniometer. These measurements will be recorded at the beginning and after four weeks of treatment. The study will be conducted at Safi Teaching Hospital in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with ethical approval and informed consent. The findings aim to help improve clinical care for people with non-specific neck pain by identifying more effective manual therapy options.

This research aims to compare the immediate effects of single-session motor imagery exercises and motor control exercises on individuals who have chronic neck pain lasting at least 12 weeks. The study focuses on measuring changes in pain severity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, and motor imagery ability. Participants must have a pain severity score of at least 3 cm on the visual analog scale and meet cognitive screening criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive either a single session of motor imagery exercise following the PETTLEP model or a single session of motor control exercise. Both interventions are designed to evaluate how these therapies affect pain and neck function in a controlled setting. The study is double-blinded and aims to assess outcomes immediately before and after the intervention session. During the study, participants will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention for pain severity, pressure pain threshold, cervical proprioception, and motor imagery. These measures will help researchers understand the acute impact of each exercise type on neck pain and related functions. The entire participation involves one session of treatment and immediate evaluation of responses to the exercise.

Researchers are investigating the immediate effects of myofascial release therapy on neck pain, functional ability, and neck movement in people diagnosed with Text Neck Syndrome TNS. TNS is a condition caused by prolonged forward head posture from excessive use of smartphones and other digital devices, especially among young adults. The study aims to explore how a single session of myofascial release might influence symptoms like neck pain and disability in this population. The treatment involves one session of standardized myofascial release techniques applied to the neck and upper back areas. A trained physiotherapist will perform four specific techniques Single Arm Pull, Lateral Neck Shoulder Release, Thoracic Transverse Release, and Anterior Cervical Release. Each technique lasts about 90-120 seconds and is applied to both sides when appropriate. This study focuses on observing immediate changes before and after this therapy session. Participants will undergo assessments of neck pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale, functional disability using the modified Neck Disability Index, and cervical range of motion. These measurements will be taken right before and immediately after the intervention. The study includes volunteers aged 18 to 40 who use mobile devices for more than three hours daily and show symptoms of TNS. The findings will help inform future research and treatment approaches for posture-related neck problems.

Researchers are investigating how smartphone addiction affects cervical posture, the musculoskeletal system, balance, and tongue pressure in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis RA and Ankylosing Spondylitis AS, compared to healthy individuals. The study focuses on those with stable disease activity to avoid the effects of acute pain and inflammation. It aims to understand the biomechanical impact of smartphone use separate from active disease symptoms. The study includes three groups of 37 participants each RA, AS, and a healthy control group. Participants will undergo a single assessment session where various measurements are taken, including smartphone addiction levels, neck posture angle, neck muscle strength, pain sensitivity, balance tests, and tongue pressure. No treatments or follow-ups are involved. Participants will complete questionnaires about their demographics, smartphone usage, and symptoms, followed by physical tests conducted by a physiotherapist. The researchers will analyze correlations between smartphone addiction and physical function measures, comparing results across the clinical groups and healthy controls. The entire participation involves one visit with no ongoing monitoring.

Researchers are comparing three types of nerve blocks used for managing pain after shoulder arthroscopic surgeries. The study focuses on anterior glenoid nerve block, pericapsular nerve group PENG block, and interscalene brachial plexus ISB block. These blocks help reduce postoperative pain, improve patient comfort, speed up rehabilitation, and potentially shorten hospital stays. ISB blocks are well known as the standard method, while the PENG block is a newer technique that may provide pain relief with fewer side effects and quicker movement recovery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of the three nerve blocks the interscalene brachial plexus block, the anterior glenoid nerve block, or the pericapsular nerve group PENG block. All blocks are applied using ultrasound guidance during shoulder arthroscopic surgery. The study is double-blinded, meaning neither patients nor doctors know which block is given to ensure unbiased results. During the study, researchers will monitor the time until patients need their first rescue pain medication within 24 hours after surgery. They will also track total opioid use, pain levels, hospital stay duration, time to freely move the operated shoulder, and patient satisfaction. These measures help assess each blocks effectiveness and safety. The entire study includes follow-up up to one week after surgery to observe recovery progress and potential complications.