Effects of the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique on pain intensity, range of motion, and functional disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain

Abstract

Background Chronic mechanical low back pain is a common clinical condition encountered by physical therapists. It has a mechanical origin that lasts more than 3 months. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. Patients and methods Thirty female patients with a mean age of 23.8±0.86 years who had chronic mechanical low back pain were randomly assigned to two equal groups. Group A received exercise training (stretching and strengthening) and the suboccipital muscle inhibition treatment for five consecutive sessions. Group B received only exercise training (stretching and strengthening) for five consecutive sessions. Both groups were assessed using the visual analog scale for pain intensity, Modified–Modified Schober’s test for ROM of lumbar flexion and extension, and the Oswestary functional disability questionnaire for functional disability. Patients were assessed before and after treatment. Results The results of this study showed that there were significant improvements in pain, ROM in the lumbar region (flexion and extension), and functional disability in both groups A and B (P Conclusion It was concluded that the suboccipital muscle inhibition technique combined with exercises have better clinical effects than exercises alone in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.