Effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [Subjects] Thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were divided into two groups: a conservative treatment group (n=15) and a flexion-distraction manipulation group (n=15). [Methods] The conservative treatment group received conservative physical therapy, and the flexion-distraction group received both conservative physical therapy and flexion-distraction manipulation therapy. Both groups received treatment 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain intensity, and the Oswestry Disability Index was used to evaluate the level of disability caused by the pain. [Results] The Visual Analog Scale scores for pain were significantly decreased in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the decrease in pain was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. According to the Oswestry Disability Index, the level of disability was significantly decreased in both groups, but the decrease was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. [Conclusion] Flexion-distraction manipulation appears to be an effective intervention for pain and disability among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Redundant Nerve Root in a Patient With Chronic Lumbar Degenerative Canal Stenosis

“…10 The FMG showed significant decrease in the visual analog scale compared with the CTG. 10 Conservative management of CLDCS includes NSAIDs, patient education, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and physical and rehabilitation activities. 11 The use of the flexion tolerance test has been designed for evaluating patient's pain tolerance and range of motion capacity.…”

“…A study by Choi et al involved 30 patients (male = 9, female = 21) who were diagnosed with CLDCS. 10 They were divided into the conservative treatment group (CTG, n = 16) and the flexion-distraction manipulation treatment group (FMG, n = 15). 10 The FMG underwent physical therapy (hot pack [20 min], interferential current therapy [15 min] and ultrasound therapy [5 min]) for 40 minutes per session, followed by 5 episodes of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy.…”

“…10 The FMG underwent physical therapy (hot pack [20 min], interferential current therapy [15 min] and ultrasound therapy [5 min]) for 40 minutes per session, followed by 5 episodes of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy. 10 The CTG only received physical therapy. 10 The FMG showed significant decrease in the visual analog scale compared with the CTG.…”

“…10 The CTG only received physical therapy. 10 The FMG showed significant decrease in the visual analog scale compared with the CTG. 10 Conservative management of CLDCS includes NSAIDs, patient education, manual therapy, exercise therapy, and physical and rehabilitation activities.…”

A quantitative assessment of the mechanical effects on the lumbar spine and the effects on straight leg raising and lumbar flexion of segmental sustained rotation

“…The results suggested that the LSSR can be used for patients with acute lower back pain, or where it is suspected that the nerve root is compromised. The LSSR is useful for improving LF, thus the LSSR can be used to treat spinal canal stenosis when there is limited LF movement 40 ) . This measurement system can also be useful for teaching the LSSR technique to physiotherapy students as a tool for providing feedback with regard to applied forces and relative direction.…”