Effectiveness of neural mobilization in patients with spinal radiculopathy: a critical review

Abstract

Spinal radiculopathy (SR) is a multifactorial nerve root injury that can result in significant pain, psychological stress and disability. It can occur at any level of the spinal column with the highest percentage in the lumbar spine. Amongst the various interventions that have been suggested, neural mobilization (NM) has been advocated as an effective treatment option. The purpose of this review is to (1) examine pathophysiological aspects of spinal roots and peripheral nerves, (2) analyze the proposed mechanisms of NM as treatment of injured nerve tissues and (3) critically review the existing research evidence for the efficacy of NM in patients with lumbar or cervical radiculopathy.

Keywords: Foraminal stenosis; Nerve root involvement; Neural Tissue Provocation Tests; Neurodynamics; Radicular pain; Radiculopathy; Sliders; Tensioners.