Short-term Efficacy Observation of the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy with Tai Chi Massage Combined with Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the short-term therapeutic effects of Tai Chi–based massage combined with a non-surgical spinal decompression system (NSSDS) in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: A total of 120 patients with cervical radiculopathy who were admitted to the Orthopedic Rehabilitation Ward of Taihe Hospital between June 2024 and June 2025 were enrolled and randomly allocated into either the control group or the combined group (n = 60 each). The control group received routine Tai Chi massage, whereas the combined group received NSSDS traction in addition to the same massage protocol. Changes in the visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), upper limb nerve tension test angle (ULNT), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were compared before and after treatment. The total clinical effectiveness rate was also calculated. SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Paired t-tests were applied for within-group comparisons, independent-sample t-tests for between-group comparisons, and chi-square tests for categorical data. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS, NDI, ULNT, and ROM following treatment (P < 0.001). Improvements were significantly greater in the combined group (P < 0.05). The reduction in VAS scores in the combined group was (4.82 ± 0.97), outperforming the control group (3.56 ± 1.05) (t = 6.21, P < 0.001). Greater reductions in NDI scores were also observed (t = 5.64, P < 0.001), while ULNT and ROM improvements were more pronounced (t = 4.33 and 3.88, respectively; both P < 0.001). The total effective rate in the combined group was 93.3%, significantly higher than 78.3% in the control group (χ² = 4.38, P = 0.036). Conclusion: Tai Chi massage combined with NSSDS traction significantly alleviates pain, enhances cervical mobility, and improves daily functional capacity in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Its short-term efficacy is superior to massage alone, and the approach demonstrates excellent safety.