Effects of Decompression therapy in leg pain and straight leg rise in patient with lumbar radiculopathy due to disc protrusion

Abstract

One among many disc problems is disc protrusion, which has more prevalence in outpatient department physical therapy management Centre globally. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of lumbar spine decompression therapy and standard physical therapy treatment in patients with lumbar radiculopathy due to disc protrusion. The single-blind randomized control trial of 71 patients was conducted at Max Rehab & Physical Therapy Centre Islamabad, Pakistan. After setting inclusion criteria all the patients were randomly allocated into treatment and control group. Both group received standard physical therapy treatment including, Moist Hot pack, Lumbar Mobilization, Stretching & strengthening exercises. The only difference was that Decompression Group received additional Decompression therapy. The data included demographics and Numeric Pain Rating Scale score in supine lying position for the painful leg and Straight Leg Raise Range for the painful side. The values for leg pain for control group decreased from 6 to 3 and the value for straight leg raise increased from 15° to 49°. The values for leg pain for the Decompression Group decreased from 6 to 2 and the value for the straight leg raise increased from 10° to 48°, the p value for both the variables was <.001 showing statistically significant difference between pre and post values in treating patients leg pain and straight leg raise range of motion. It is concluded that decompression therapy is more effective in managing lumbar radiculopathy.