Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain intensity, functional abilities, and trunk range of motion in patients with chronic lumbar disc prolapse: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives. This research aimed to assess the impact of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on pain severity, functional abilities, and trunk range of motion in patients with lumbar disc prolapse (LDP). Methods. Design of study was randomized clinical study. Forty male patients had disc prolapse at L5–S1 spine segment with chronic pain. Patients have been randomly divided to two equal groups. The patients in study group received extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in addition to conventional physical therapy program. Patients in control group were treated with the conventional physical therapy program which composed of electrotherapy using TENS (15 minutes) and exercise program. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain. Functional disability was evaluated by Oswestry disability index (ODI). The Back range of motion device (BROM) has been utilized to measure trunk motion (flexion, extension, side bending, external and internal rotation). For all patients prior to and after six weeks of the therapy program, all outcome measures were evaluated. Results. In the research and control groups, there was a substantial reduction in post-treatment VAS and ODI as compared to pre-therapy (p > 0.001). In both groups, there was a substantial increase in post-therapy ROM compared to pre-therapy (p > 0.001). The comparison among the study and post-therapy control groups showed a substantial decrease in the study group’s VAS and ODI relative to the control group (p > 0.001). There was also a substantial increase in the study group’s trunk flexion, extension, and rotation relative to that of the control group (p > 0.01). Conclusion. The ESWT had a significant analgesic effect and improved functional abilities relative to the conventional physiotherapy program in patients with LDP. Also ESWT had substantial enhancements in trunk ROM relative to conventional physiotherapy.