Objective: To discuss the use of non-surgical spinal decompression as a treatment for cervical radiculopathy in a case complicated by syringomyelia following motor vehicle trauma.
Clinical Features: A 48-year-old woman sought care for chronic, worsening neck pain, headaches, and bilateral upper extremity paresthesia resulting from a rear-impact motor vehicle collision. These symptoms interfered with reading, driving, using a computer, exercise, and prolonged sitting at her job, and she suffered sleep disturbance. Decompressive surgery was recommended but she wanted to avoid surgery. MRI revealed syringohydromyelia at the cervical and upper thoracic cord, multilevel disc bulging and degeneration and foraminal stenosis.
Intervention and Outcome: We provided 13 treatments over 2 months using nonsurgical spinal decompression and low-level laser therapy. This resulted in marked reduction in pain and disability and a resolution of headaches and upper extremity paresthesia.
Conclusion: In this case, the patient was able to obtain an excellent outcome and avoid surgery at a long-term follow up.
Author keywords: Syringomyelia; Neck Pain; Radiculopathy; Decompression; Traction; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Physical Therapy Modalities
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