Physiotherapeutic Intervention for Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome (CBPS) is a disorder of enhanced mechanosensitivity to the neural structure, also known as lower cervical pain Syndrome. Cervicobrachial pain is managed by manual and traditional therapy, besides medical management. Aim: The aim of this scoping analysis was to determine the efficacy of the protocols for cervicobrachial syndrome treatment. Materials and Methods: Until March 2020, initial literature searches were performed through robust online electronic databases such as “Scopus” “MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Sciences and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register in Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), ProQuest 5000 International, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, and following keywords were used “Neck Disability Index, “Upper Limb Tension test, “Goniometry “Neck pain,” “Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome,” Thirty six studies were included in this scoping study using PRISMA guidelines. Results: There is little evidence of manual and conventional physiotherapy treatment of cervicobrachial pain and its efficacy. Key advantages have been reported in manual therapy and exercises methods for pain relief and rehabilitation. Electrotherapeutic modalities, neck strengthening exercises, traction and methods for handling soft tissue are considered to be less effective in managing cervicobrachial pain syndrome relative to manual therapy. Lateral cervical glide and median nerve slider technique (neurodynamic) have useful effects as a treatment intervention in multiple cases of cervicobrachial pain syndrome, such as the median nerve slider technique and contra-lateral cervical glide technique. Recommendations for the management of cervicobrachial syndrome in practice should be encouraged in additional trials of innovative treatment methods. Conclusion: Studies should identify which cervicobrachial pain respond to specific interventions for immediate and effective response so as to increase the quality of life of the patients. Further research with innovative techniques of therapeutic approach would facilitate practice guidelines for the management of cervicobrachial syndrome.

Keywords

• cervical radiculopathy
• lateral cervical glide technique
• neck isometric
• neural tissue
• neural tissue mobilisation
• neurodynamics
• provocative testing