EFFECTS OF LUMBAR SNAG AND MECHANICAL TRACTION IN PATIENTS WITH DISCOGENIC LUMBOSACRAL RADICULOPATHY

Objective: To compare the effects of lumbar sustained natural apophyseal glide and Mechanical Traction in patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy. Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Kanaan Physiotherapy and Spine Clinic, from Mar to Sep 2020. Methodology: A total of 44 patients were included in study in 2 groups of 22 each. Patients between ages 30-60 years having chronic radiating pain in one or both legs, patients with minimum of 25 score out of 100, on low back pain index and patients having radiculopathy were included. Exclusion criteria were history of low back pain treatment in last 90. Complications such as cancer, spine pathology and joint disease. Dice roll method was used for group allocation. Group classification was as group 1, sustained natural apophyseal glide group, and group 2, mechanical traction group. NPRS and oswestry disability index were used. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 21. Results: There is statistically significant improvement in pain as mean post treatment value for sustained natural apophyseal glide group is 2.55 ± 1.503 and for mechanical traction group is 4.05 ± 1.864, oswestry disability index and shober test results in sustained natural apophyseal glide group were also significant as compared to mechanical traction with p-value <0.05. Although pain was also decreased in mechanical traction group patients but overall sustained natural apophyseal glides were more effective. Conclusion: Sustained natural apophyseal glide are more effective in the treatment of lumber radiculopathy patients as compared to mechanical traction. Further studies.............