Impact of strain-counterstrain on treatment of acute nonspecific low back pain: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

PurposeThe study was to assess the effectiveness of strain-counterstrain (SCS) techniques, after treatment and after a 6-week follow-up, on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with acute nonspecific low back pain with mobility deficits.MethodsSCS techniques (group A) and 42 (group B, control group) were advised to be active. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), lumbar flexion ROM, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for assessment. All patients were assessed before treatment, after treatment, and after a 6-week follow-up. The treatment program was applied for 2 weeks, 2 sessions per week.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed that there were significant increases in PPT on both sides of L5 and lumbar flexion ROM. In addition, a significant reduction in ODI scores was observed (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the pre- vs. post-treatment evaluation, in the pre-treatment vs. post-6-week evaluation, and in the post-treatment vs. post-6-week evaluation with regard to both groups. As for between-group effects, multiple pairwise comparisons revealed significant increases in PPT on both sides of L5 and lumbar flexion ROM, in addition to a significant reduction in ODI scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in favour of group A as compared with group B after treatment and after the 6-week follow-up.ConclusionsSCS is preferable to be advised in the treatment of acute nonspecific low back pain with mobility deficits.