Comparison Between Immediate Effect Of Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement And Lumbar Traction For Management Of Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition characterized by lower back and hip pain radiating down the back of the thigh into the leg, typically caused by compression of spinal nerve roots. This study compares the immediate effects of spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and lumbar traction on pain intensity and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) range of motion in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 30 subjects aged 20-50 years from IIMS&R and hospital in Lucknow. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group A (lumbar traction) and Group B (SMWLM). Baseline measurements for leg pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and SLR range of motion using a goniometer were recorded. Post-intervention measurements were taken immediately. Paired t-tests were used for within-group analysis, and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Both groups showed significant improvements in NPRS scores and SLR range of motion post-intervention. Group A’s NPRS decreased from 6 ± 0.845 to 4.6 ± 0.985, and SLR ROM increased from 49 ± 4.309 to 60 ± 4.629. Group B’s NPRS decreased from 6.066 ± 0.883 to 4.6 ± 0.910, and SLR ROM increased from 48 ± 4.140 to 58.33 ± 5.232. No significant difference was found between the groups for NPRS (p = 1) and SLR ROM (p = 0.363).Both SMWLM and lumbar traction provide immediate relief in pain and improvement in SLR range of motion for lumbar radiculopathy, with no significant difference between the two methods.