European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Context: Treatment for lumbar disc prolapse includes conservative, interventional and operative treatment. Controversies exist regarding most effective type of conservative treatment.
Aim: To assess the efficacy of different types of conservative management in low back pain due to lumbar inter vertebral disc prolapse.
Study design: Prospective study
Methods and Materials: 160Adult patients of either sex with low back pain due to lumbar disc prolapse with or without mild neurological deficits visiting or admitted in our hospital were included in the study. 40 patients were treated with bed rest, 40 patients were allowed to continue routine daily activities, 40 patients were treated with back school exercises and 40 patients were treated with McKenzie exercises. The patients were followed for a period of three months with serial neurological examination and outcome measures.
Statistical analysis used: ANOVA and Chi square test.
Results: Back school group and McKenzie group had more favorable scores with respect to VAS, ODI and JOA score which is statistically significant(P=<0.001). Among back school group and McKenzie group, latter had better results with respect to VAS, ODI and JOA score but statistically not significant. JOA post intervention improvement is maximally seen in McKenzie group. Majority of patients from McKenzie group returned to work at the end of 12 weeks.
Conclusions: Back school exercises and McKenzie exercises have better results for low back pain due to lumbar disc prolapse compared to other types of conservative management.