INFLUENCE OF NEURODYNAMIC TENSION VERSUS MANIPULATION ON MECHANICAL AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF SCIATIC NERVE ROOT

Abstract

The study was conducted in out patient clinic of faculty of medicine, Cairo University through January 2009 to August 2009, to investigate the effect of neurodynamic techniques and lumbar manipulation techniques on sciatic pain, degree of nerve root compression, latency of Hoffmann reflex, and functional disabilities in patients of chronic LBP with lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) resulted from (15 and S I) disc herniation.

Sixty patients (19 males and 41 females) participated in the study. Their ages ranged from (35 - 50) years. The patients were chosen from (Kasr Eleni) outpatient clinic, faculty of medicine. The patients were assigned into two equal groups. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Group A (neurodynamic techniques) were patients with chronic low back pain with sciatica received neurodynamic techniques three days/week for 6 weeks. Group B (manipulation) were patients chronic LBP with sciatica

received lumbar manipulation three days/week for 6 weeks.

Pain, functional disabilities, H-reflex (latency), and degree of sciatic nerve root compression were measured for each patient in (group A) where patient received neurodynamic techniques 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Patients of (group B) received manipulation techniques 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Pain, functional disabilities, H-reflex (latency), and degree of sciatic nerve root compression were measured pre treatment and post treatment for each group.