A Standardized Protocol Combining McKenzie Mechanical Therapy and Neurodynamic Techniques for Cervical Radiculopathy

Zan Wang; Yingzi Jiang; Zhenfa zhang; Xiaofeng Li; Chenguang Yao; Yueyi Deng; Jun Yu

doi:10.3791/71707

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Method Article

A Standardized Protocol Combining McKenzie Mechanical Therapy and Neurodynamic Techniques for Cervical Radiculopathy

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DOI:

10.3791/71707

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July 28th, 2026

Zan Wang^*¹ , Yingzi Jiang^*² , Zhenfa zhang³ , Xiaofeng Li⁴ , Chenguang Yao⁵ , Yueyi Deng¹ , Jun Yu²

¹Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ²Rehabilitation Treatment Center, Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, ³The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, ⁴School of Energy and Power Engineering, Beihang University, ⁵College of Art and Design, Shanghai Jianqiao University

^* These authors contributed equally

Summary

This protocol describes a standardized clinical intervention for cervical radiculopathy using McKenzie Mechanical Therapy (MMT) and Neurodynamic Treatment (NDT), with cervical range of motion, pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), and functional disability (Neck Disability Index, NDI) as primary outcomes.

Abstract

Cervical radiculopathy is a common clinical condition associated with nerve root compression, pain, sensory symptoms, and functional limitation. This protocol describes a standardized clinical intervention that combines McKenzie Mechanical Therapy (MMT) with Neurodynamic Treatment (NDT) for patients with cervical radiculopathy. The approach stratifies treatment according to symptom irritability and provides a structured workflow for patient selection, clinical assessment, intervention delivery, intensity adjustment, and outcome evaluation. Cervical range of motion, pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index are used as primary outcomes. In a 2-week pilot clinical trial, 33 eligible patients were randomly assigned to either an MMT group or a combined MMT-NDT group. All participants completed the intervention without treatment-related adverse events, indicating good feasibility and safety. Both groups showed clinical improvement, while the combined MMT-NDT approach produced greater improvements in cervical motion, pain reduction, and functional recovery. These findings suggest that integrating NDT with MMT may provide a reproducible and clinically useful rehabilitation strategy for cervical radiculopathy.

Introduction

Neck pain has become increasingly prevalent among individuals with prolonged use of electronic devices, and cervical radiculopathy (CR) represents a common clinical subtype associated with nerve root compression and inflammation at or near the intervertebral foramen¹.

Management strategies include both surgical and conservative approaches, with up to 75% of patients achieving symptom relief through non-surgical treatment². Common conservative interventions include immobilization, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, cervical traction, and epidural steroid injections. Among these, ph....