Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this work was to compare the efficacy of Maitland mobilization and conventional physical therapy on pain response, range of motion (ROM) and functional ability in patients with chronic low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis. Methods: A total sample of 30 subjects (40–70 years of age) with complaints of slow insidious onset of low back pain (LBP), with or without radiation not less than three months duration and decrease ROM were randomly assigned to: group-I, Maitland mobilization and lumbar stabilization exercises; group-II conventional physical therapy (traction, strengthening, stretching exercises.) and outcomes were assessed for dependent variables. Results: There is statically a significant difference between pre and post measurement readings with time (p = 0.00) and between groups (p < 0.05) with respect to pain and function, but, with respect to ROM readings, showed statistical significance with time (p = 0.00) and no significance between groups (p > 0.05), indicating manual therapy group-I is improving faster and better than conventional physical therapy group-II. Conclusion: Our results showed that manual therapy interventions are more effective in managing low back pain, and function and range of motion of the lumbar spine than conventional physical therapy treatment.
Highlights
Chronic low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis, is defined as aching low back with or without radiation to lower limbs not less than three months in duration, with confirmed signs of degeneration in lumbar spine on X-Ray [1]
Manipulations, mobilizations, and exercise are favored over traditional care in reducing chronic low back pain at both short-term and long-term follow-ups
Results of this review revealed that exercise combined with mobilization/manipulation demonstrated either intermediate or long-term benefits
Summary
Chronic low back pain due to lumbar spondylosis, is defined as aching low back with or without radiation to lower limbs not less than three months in duration, with confirmed signs of degeneration in lumbar spine on X-Ray [1]. The main feature is pain in lumbar region, often accompanied by restriction in range of motion (ROM) and functional limitation. Low back pain and its related disabilities cause an important socioeconomic burden to society [2] and is the most common cause of absence from work [3]. Manipulations, mobilizations, and exercise are favored over traditional care in reducing chronic low back pain at both short-term and long-term follow-ups. A systematic review by Rothschild [4] studied whether conservative treatments (e.g., manual therapies, physical medicine methods, medication, and patient education) relieved pain or improved function/disability, patient satisfaction, and global perceived effect in adults with chronic low back pain. Results of this review revealed that exercise combined with mobilization/manipulation demonstrated either intermediate or long-term benefits
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