Effect of Shock Wave Therapy on Nerve Function in Cervical Radiculopathy

Effect of Focused Focused Extracorpeal Shock Wave on the Myo-Electrical and Nerve Root Function in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy

NA · Cairo University · NCT06102304

This study is testing if shock wave therapy can help improve nerve function and reduce pain in people with cervical radiculopathy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages36 Years to 46 Years
SexAll
SponsorCairo University (other)
Locations1 site (Giza, Dokki)
Trial IDNCT06102304 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the impact of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy on myo-electric and nerve function responses in patients suffering from cervical radiculopathy. A total of 48 participants will be randomly assigned to either receive the shock wave treatment combined with a physical therapy program or a sham treatment with the same physical therapy. The study will assess outcomes such as hand grip strength, pain levels, and tenderness in the upper trapezius muscle using various measurement techniques. The goal is to determine the efficacy of this innovative therapy in improving nerve function and reducing pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 36 to 46 with unilateral discogenic cervical radiculopathy confirmed by MRI and active trigger points in the upper trapezius.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as spinal canal stenosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any signs of myelopathy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve nerve function and reduce pain for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy for cervical radiculopathy is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in treating other musculoskeletal conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. All patients suffer from unilateral discogenic cervical radiculopathy of lower cervical spine(C5-C6 and/ or C6-C7) as confirmed with MRI.
2. All patients suffer from pain and tenderness on active trigger points of the upper trapezius .
3. Age ranging from 36 to 46 years old.
4. Duration of symptoms more than 3 months to avoid acute stage of inflammation.
5. Side to side amplitude differences of 50% or more in DSSEPs measurement (Naguszewski et al.,2001)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Posterior osteophytes
2. Spinal canal stenosis
3. Rheumatoid arthritis
4. Vestibular insufficiency
5. Osteoporosis
6. Any signs or symptoms of myelopathy
7. Any abnormalities of deep sensation
8. Associated pathologies of upper cervical region or the upper limb that may cause overlapping with clinical findings as referred pain from costotransverse joint, rotator cuff tendonitis, cervical rib syndrome and entrapment neuropathy.

Where this trial is running

Giza, Dokki

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cervical Radiculopathy, Nerve root Dysfunction, Trigger points, Focused Extracorpeal Shock Wave

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.