Effects of decompression on pain, range of motion and function in patients with acute vs chronic lumbar radiculopathy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of manual lumbar decompression on pain, range of motion, and function in patients with acute vs chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Thirty patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria at Tehsil Headquarter Civil Hospital Daska were randomly placed into three groups: acute group (n=10), chronic group (n=10), and control group (n=10). Mean age of the participants was 33.3±8.5 years and the mean body mass index was 25.0±4.4. There were 12 males and 21 female participants. Group A and Group B were 18 treated with decompression, lumbar mobilisation, hot packs, TENS and exercise therapy, while the patients in Group C were treated with lumbar mobilisation, hot packs and exercise therapy. Total duration of the treatment was four weeks at three sessions per week and the outcomes were measured at baseline and at the completion of four-week treatment with Visual Analogue Scale, Modified Oswestry Disability index, Straight Leg Raise, and Inclinometer. Data was analysed by using SPSS version 25. One Way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis Test were used to compare the means across the groups. It was concluded that manual lumbar decompression decreases pain, and increases range of motion and function in Group A (acute) as compared to Group B (chronic) and Group C (control).