Effects of Diaphragmatic Release Technique on Neck Pain, Range of Motion, and Chest Expansion in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of the diaphragmatic release technique on neck pain, cervical range of motion, and chest expansion in patients with cervical radiculopathy. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare this technique combined with standard treatments against traditional physical therapy. The study addresses the gap in research on the impact of respiratory dysfunction in cervical radiculopathy treatment and explores how diaphragm function relates to neck pain and disability. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for a four-week treatment period. The experimental group will receive the diaphragmatic release technique for 5 minutes along with cervical distraction, cervical isometrics, and neurodynamic mobilization of the median and ulnar nerves. The control group will receive traditional physical therapy including cervical distraction, isometrics, and neurodynamic mobilization without the diaphragmatic release. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and occurs three times per week for four weeks. During the study, participants will be assessed at the fourth week for neck pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, cervical spine range of motion in flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation using an inclinometer, and chest expansion measured with a tape. These evaluations help measure the impact of the treatments on pain, movement, and respiratory function. The study begins in January 2026 and continues until August 2026, with participants aged 35 to 55 years involved in the trial.

Effects of DRT on Neck Pain, ROM, and Chest Expansion in Patients With CR