Clinical Efficacy of Mechanical Traction as Physical Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective. This study is aimed at exploring the clinical effect of mechanical traction on lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods. Related literatures were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, and CNKI databases. Inclusion of literature topic was comparison of mechanical traction and conventional physical therapy for lumbar disc herniation. Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of the included RCT studies. The Chi-square test was used for the heterogeneity test, and a random effect model was used with heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to explore the causes of heterogeneity. If there was no heterogeneity, the fixed effect model was used, and funnel plots were used to test publication bias. Results. Visual analog scale (VAS) in the mechanical traction group was lower than that in the conventional physical therapy group ( MD = − 1.39 (95% CI (-1.81, -0.98)), Z = 6.56 , and P < 0.00001 ). There was no heterogeneity among studies ( Ch i 2 = 6.62 , P = 0.25 , and I 2 = 24 %) and no publication bias. Oswestry disability index (ODI) in the mechanical traction group was lower than that in the conventional physical therapy group ( MD = − 6.34 (95% CI (-10.28, -2.39)), Z = 3.15 , and P = 0.002 ). There was no heterogeneity between studies ( Ch i 2 = 6.27 , P = 0.18 , and I 2 = 36 %) and no publication bias. There was no significant difference in Schober test scores between the mechanical traction group and the conventional physical therapy group ( MD = − 0.40 (95% CI (-1.07, 0.28)), Z = 1.16 , and P = 0.25 ). There was no heterogeneity among studies ( Ch i 2 = 1.61 , P = 0.66 , and I 2 = 0 %) and no publication bias. Conclusion. Mechanical traction can effectively relieve lumbar and leg pain and improve ODI in patients with lumbar disc herniation but has no significant effect on spinal motion. The therapeutic effect of mechanical traction was significantly better than that of conventional physical therapy. Lumbar traction can be used in conjunction with other traditional physical therapy.

Impact of Dorn Therapy on a Patient With a Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc: A Case Report

“…A recent metaanalysis suggested that in individuals with herniated discs, mechanical traction can effectively alleviate lumbar and leg pain, but has no noticeable impact on spinal motion. Additionally, it reported that mechanical traction has a therapeutic impact that is noticeably superior to that of traditional physical therapy [13], whereas William's flexion exercises involving a series of components are also effective in reducing pain and disability as given in a narrative review by Kim et al [9]. Both interventions combined with DT boosted the intervention protocol described in this case report.…”

A Severe Disc Herniation Mimics Spinal Tumor

“…The incidence of sciatica is between 13% and 40%, and the most prevalent cause of sciatica in adults is lumbar disc herniation (LDH) [ 1 ]. LDH is prevalent among adults aged 25 to 55 years who spend a considerable proportion of their time sitting or standing with heavy workloads [ 2 ]. LDH is an orthopedic condition characterized by the displacement of an intervertebral disc from its anatomical position, usually caused by trauma or degenerative changes [ 2 ].…”

“…LDH is prevalent among adults aged 25 to 55 years who spend a considerable proportion of their time sitting or standing with heavy workloads [ 2 ]. LDH is an orthopedic condition characterized by the displacement of an intervertebral disc from its anatomical position, usually caused by trauma or degenerative changes [ 2 ]. This displacement can occur as a result of a traumatic injury or degenerative changes due to the aging process [ 3 ].…”

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Traditional Motorized Traction and Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy Added to Conventional Physiotherapy in Low Back Pain

“…Treatment modalities such as super cial and deep heaters, massage, electrotherapy, and traction are used in the physical therapy of low back pain (3). It has been determined that these treatments are effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lumbar disc herniation.…”