Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background: Chronic discogenic sciatica has noxious symptoms on patients, and its related disabilities disturb their lives. Purpose: To examine the superiority of effectiveness of the slider, tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques and stretching exercises for patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. Materials and methods: Thirty-six patients with unilateral chronic discogenic sciatica from both sexes, 21-50 years, were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Patients in group (A) received slider technique, while patients in group (B) received tensioner technique, and patients in group (C) received stretching exercises of back extensors, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. In addition to ergonomic advices given to all the three groups. Treatment was given three times a week for two weeks. Pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale. Range of motion (ROM) of hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion was measured using the universal goniometer. Lumbar flexion ROM was measured using the measuring tape. Functional disability was measured using the Oswestry disability index. Results: There were found significant differences in the slider and tensioner groups as compared to the stretching group in all dependent variables except for the ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Furthermore, there were found significant differences in the slider group as compared to the tensioner group in ROM of hip flexion, knee extension, and lumbar flexion

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