Date of Award
2013
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not mechanical traction is a safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic neck pain.
STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in 2008, 2009, and 2011.
DATA SOURCES: Two double-blind randomized clinical trials and one single-blind randomized clinical trial were found using PubMed.
OUTCOMES MEASURED: Decrease in neck pain was measured through subjective pain rating scales performed prior to and after treatment of both those receiving mechanical traction and those not receiving mechanical traction.
RESULTS: While patients reported a decrease in pain, the results were not significant for mechanical traction to effectively treat chronic neck pain.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the randomized clinical trials demonstrate that mechanical traction is a safe treatment but does not provide significant differences in treating chronic neck pain.
Recommended Citation
Giacobbe, Shawn D., "Is Mechanical Traction a Safe and Effective Treatment for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain?" (2013). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 121.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/121