A Comparative Study of Neural Mobilization with Hot Pack and Back Extension Exercises with Tens in Patients with Sciatic Pain

Abstract

Background: Sciatica, known by a range of synonyms such as lumbosacral radicular syndrome, nerve root compromise, nerve root pain, and nerve root entrapment or is identified by radiating leg pain below the knee in one or more than or stenosis of lateral recess, cancers, radiculitis and also piriformis syndrome are also amongst the causes of this symptoms. A tensioning technique may reduce intra-neural swelling and circulatory compromise via fluctuating effects on intra-neural pressure. Methodology: This was a prospective experimental comparative study conducted on 60 patients. Group A had 30 patients undergoing Neural Mobilization with Hot pack whereas Group B had 30 patients receiving TENS with back extension exercises. Treatment was given for 15 days and 6 weeks per day. VAS was conducted to know the severity of pain in patients with chronic low back aches. MODQ was conducted to know the severity of the Disability in patients with chronic low back pain.

Results:  The Pre and Post-test mean values were calculated to be 5.63 and 3.67 respectively for group A measuring VAS, t-value is 19.372 (p<.oo1), disability for pre and post-value MODQ 54.13and 49.37, t-value 10.383(p<0.001). Group B for the pain pre and post-test mean value of 52.23 and 48.03, t-value is 16.437 (p<.001), disability for pre and post-value MODQ 5.50 and 3.43, t-value of 16.370(p<.001).

Discussion: The results observed in this study show that not only do neurodynamics interventions produce clinical benefits, but can also reduce the stiffness of the sciatic nerve in people with lumbar radiculopathy.