Comparing cervical traction to placebo for treating neck pain from nerve root compression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of cervical traction compared to a placebo treatment in patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy, a condition caused by nerve root compression in the neck. The study involves an intensive cervical traction protocol administered by physiotherapists, aiming to alleviate pain and dysfunction associated with the condition. Participants will be assessed based on specific clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy and must meet certain eligibility criteria to ensure accurate results. The trial seeks to provide evidence on whether cervical traction can be a viable conservative treatment option before considering more invasive surgical interventions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient over 18
* Neck Disability Index ≥ 15/50
* Presence of at least three of the four signs clinically validating the presence of cervical radiculopathy (Wainner et al. 2003)

  * a) upper limb nerve tension test A (ULNT1a): positive,
  * b) amplitude of cervical rotation on the side concerned: \< 60°,
  * c) positive cervical distraction test: relief
  * d) positive Spurling test: reproduction of symptoms.
* Cervical radiculopathy diagnosed 3 to 24 months previously
* Absence of cervical traction in the 5 years prior to inclusion
* MRI or CT scan performed prior to hospitalisation in relation to current pathology
* Patient able to understand the protocol and having given oral informed consent to take part in the research.
* Patient affiliated to the social security system or entitled beneficiary.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with vertebral artery pathology at the time of inclusion
* Patients with myelopathy, cervical cancer, cervical fracture, cervical dislocation, cervical spondylolisthesis, spinal infection, symptomatic cervical pain without radiculopathy and/or cervical surgery in the 2 years prior to inclusion.
* Patient participating in another clinical research protocol with an impact on the objectives of the research.
* Patient who is pregnant, breastfeeding or able to procreate without effective contraception\*.
* Patient under guardianship, curatorship or deprived of liberty
* Patient under activated future protection mandate
* Patient under family habilitation
* Patient under court protection.

Where it's running

• CHD Vendée
  La Roche-sur-Yon, France Recruiting
• CH La Rochelle
  La Rochelle, France Recruiting
• CHU Limoges
  Limoges, France Recruiting
• CHU Nantes
  Nantes, France Recruiting
• APHP La Pitié Salpêtrière
  Paris, France Recruiting
• Chu Reims
  Reims, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas RULLEAU — Nantes University Hospital
• Study coordinator: Chloé MOREAU
• Email: chloe.moreau@ght85.fr
• Phone: 0251446327

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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  This study tests whether adding oculomotor exercises to a neck exercise program helps people with chronic non-traumatic cervical dizziness.

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• High-Power Laser Therapy for Cervical Radiculopathy: See if it improves neck‑arm pain and disc health

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.