A comparative study between McKenzie technique and neural mobilization in chronic low back pain patients with radiculopathy

Abstract

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of McKenzie Technique and Neural Mobilization in chronic low back with radiculopathy on pain, spinal mobility and disability. Relevance: Radiculopathy also known as nerve root pain which arise from disc herniation or spinal stenosis or post-operative scarring, it radiates down the leg in a dermatomal pattern, the unilateral leg pain is often described by the patient as worse than the back pain. McKenzie technique and neural mobilization techniques are the forms of manual therapy that are used in an effort to reduce radiating pain and improve range of motion. Efficient and effective management of acute low back pain is necessary hence to study the effectiveness of either technique in managing chronic low back with radiculopathy was the objective of this research report. Participants: 30 subjects with chronic low back with radiculopathy were recruited from Nandha College of Physiotherapy, Erode, Government Head Quarters Hospital, Erode L.K.M Hospital, Erode. Methods: Subjects were randomly grouped into 2 group´s viz. Group A (TENS with traction and McKenzie technique) & Group B (TENS with traction and neural mobilization technique). The outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS) and disability level in terms of Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). Results: Within group's comparison showed significant result for Pain and MODQ score and between group's comparison showed significant result for Pain MODQ score respectively indicating effectiveness of McKenzie technique Conclusions: The results of this study showed that along with TENS + Traction, McKenzie Technique is significant in decreasing pain, improving functional ability and increasing spinal extension in chronic low back with radiculopathy.