ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IN LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF MANUAL THERAPY WITH AND WITHOUT LUMBAR TRACTION

Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical effectiveness of manual therapy alone versus manual therapy combined with traction in the management of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) using validated disability and pain scales.

Aim of the Study: To determine whether the addition of lumbar traction to manual therapy provides superior outcomes in reducing pain and disability among patients with LDH.

Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Health & Wellness Physio Rehab Center with 52 patients aged 40–75 years diagnosed with chronic LDH. Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups: the control group received manual therapy only, while the experimental group received manual therapy combined with mechanical lumbar traction. Both groups underwent treatment thrice weekly for four weeks and followed a supervised home exercise program. Outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), and Low Back Pain Rating Scale (LBPRS) assessed at baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25.0.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements over time (p < 0.05) across all outcome measures. However, the experimental group demonstrated greater reductions in disability scores (ODI and QBPDS) and pain intensity (LBPRS) at weeks 4 and 12 compared to the control group. These effects were sustained at the 24-week follow-up.

Conclusion: The addition of lumbar traction to manual therapy results in enhanced pain relief and functional improvement in patients with lumbar disc herniation. A multimodal conservative treatment approach may offer superior benefits over manual therapy alone.