Neural mobilization on post-operative discectomy / Afnan Mohamed R. Eldemerdash ; Supervised Awatef M. Labeb , Soheir S. Rezk Allah , Mansour A. Mohamad Makia

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Post laminectomy syndrome is one of the most common complications after lumbar discectomy. Neural mobilization may be beneficial for patients submitted to lumbar spine surgery as it may reduce post-operative adhesion and increase nerve movement excursion. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of neural mobilization on pain intensity, H-reflex latency and functional ability after lumbar single level discectomy. Material and methods: 30 patients, both sexes, aged from 20-45 years, underwent lumbar single level discectomy. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Group (A):15 patients received neural mobilization in form of passive neck flexion & ankle dorsiflexion of the same side of surgery in addition to traditional physical therapy program (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) & strengthening exercises for back muscles). Group (B):15 patients received the same traditional physical therapy program only. Pain intensity, H-reflex latency and functional level were measured by using the Visual analogue scale, an EMG Toennies Neuroscreen Plus1.59 system and Oswestry Disability Questionnaire respectively. Results: There was a significant decrease in the mean value of pain intensity, H- reflex latency and Oswestry disability questionnaire score post treatment in group A compared to group B. Conclusion: It was concluded that neural mobilization may be an effective addition to the physiotherapy program after lumbar single level discectomy operations

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