Effectiveness of Shacklock's Neural Mobilization for Acute and Sub-Acute Lumbar Disc Prolapsed: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background and Aims: Lumbar disc prolapse (LDP) is a more severe health issue worldwide. Shacklock's neural mobilization is a useful technique for treating prolapsed discs. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Shacklock's neural mobilization for acute and subacute LDP. Methods: The study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 42 individuals with LDP were allocated randomly by computer-generated numbers to an experimental and a control group. The experimental group got neural mobilization along with usual physiotherapy treatment. The control group got just usual physiotherapy. Postural education was given for both groups in sitting and standing positions. The total number of therapy sessions was eight, with a frequency of four sessions per week for a duration of 2 weeks. The Dallas pain questionnaire (DPQ) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire were measured on the initial day and after eight sessions of treatment. The data was analyzed through paired t-test, unrelated t-test, chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A significant improvement of pain in different positions and disability was demonstrated in the within-group analysis by paired t-test, whereas no significant improvement was found in the between-group analysis by independent sample t-test. The significant change was found on the DPQ score except for two variables. There was no statistically significant association between disability status and gender (p = 0.69) and between disability status and BMI (p = 0.41). A significant difference (p = 0.000) was found in both scales. Conclusion: Shacklock's neural mobilization, along with standard physiotherapy techniques, had a significant impact on pain and disability for people with acute and subacute LDP. Trial Registration: Zahid Bin Sultan Nahid: CTRI/2023/04/051283.