The effect of traction with two different load on clinic and functional status of patients with subacute lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of 2 different traction loads on physical and clinical status in patients with subacute lomber disc hernia. Seventy patients were included in the study, and 9 of them withdrew their consent. Sixty-one patients were randomised. Patients in Group 1 (n=30) and 2 (n=31) received intermittent traction load of 35-50% and 10-20% of their body weights. Exercise program was demonstrated to both groups, and the patients were trained about prevention measures for low back pain. Treatment results of all patients were evaluated with visual analog scale, short-form 36, Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire before and in intragroup comparisons statistically significant difference was found before and after treatment, and also before and 40 days after treatment. While outcome evaluation scales revealed improvements in both groups (p>0.05). These results suggest that nearly half of the lumbar hernia patients can improve within about 2-6 weeks irrespective of the treatment, lomber hernia can benefit from physical therapy modalities and exercise other than lomber traction. © 2018, Logos Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.