Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a common cause of axial neck and arm pain, and is characterized by symptoms that radiate to the upper extremities in a dermatomal distribution. Nerve root impingement can be secondary to an acute disc herniation, or also from chronic spondylosis. annual incidence, approximately 83 cases per 100,000 persons (1). Purpose: Aim of current study was to investigate the effect of dexamethasone Phonophoresis Therapy on pain , range of motion and physical performance with cervical Radiculopathy patients. Participants and methods: The study was performed on thirty Patients (16 males & 14 females) aged35 to 55 years suffering chronic cervical radiculopathy. They were divided into two equal groups; Group (A) received phonophoresis of dexamethasone ampoule (in each session with half of 8mg ampule and 35 g ultrasound gel) , Ultrasound device (Chattanooga-Ultrasound Combo Unit ) was applied over the paravertebral neck region ( 1 MHz frequency and 1.5 Wt/cm2 power and duration 10 min)in addition to conventional physical therapy program include corrective exercise programme in the form of two strengthening(deep cervical flexors and shoulder retractors) , two stretching (cervical extensors and pectoral muscles) exercises and hot packs Were performed for 10 min to the cervical area for local superficial heat .This conventional treatment was to be repeated three times per week for four weeks . Duration of treatment was 3sessions (45 min per session)/week. One session day after day for 4 weeks. Group (B) received a placebo dexamethasone phonophoresis (The ultrasound probe was held over the paravertebral neck region using topical gel containing (half of 8mg ampule of dexamethasone and 35 g ultrasound gel in each session) which was the same as in group A. Ultrasound device seemed to be working for 10-min period with light-off position in addition to conventional physical therapy program which was the same as in group A. Three evaluation procedures applied before and after the treatment program through visual analogue scale (VAS), The cervical range of motion (CROM) device and Neck disability index. Results: There was a significant increase in cervical ROM of the group A compared with that of the group B post treatment (p < 0.01), and a significant decrease in VAS and NDI of the group A compared with that of the group B (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results suggested that dexamethasone phonophoresis is effective in treating cervical radiculopathy that causes a greater improvement in their quality of life.
