Effect of different traction techniques on pain and functional state treating lumbar disc herniation

Object – changes in pain and functional state applying different traction techniques. Aim: to assess the impact of different traction techniques on back pain and functional state in patients with lumbar herniation. Tasks: 1. To evaluate back pain and functional state of patients before and after applying physiotherapy with lumbar traction in water. 2. To evaluate back pain and functional state of patients before and after applying physiotherapy with lumbar traction with „Comfort“ machine. 3. To compare back pain and functional state of patients before and after applying different physiotherapy techniques. Methodics. 40 patients participated in the study (mean age 50,0±2,6 yr.). Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group got physiotherapy in water with lumbar traction in water, another – physiotherapy on land with lumbar traction with „Comfort“ machine. Back pain (according to VAS scale), movement phobia (according to TAMPA questionnaire), disability index (by ROLAND-MORRIS and OSWESTRY questionnaires) lumbar mobility (according to Schober test), lumbar muscle strength (by manual muscle testing scale), active range of lumbar movements (inclinometer) were assessed before and after applying physiotherapy. Conclusions: 1. Low back pain significantly decreased and functional state improved in patients after applying physiotherapy in water. 2. Low back pain significantly decreased and functional state improved in patients after applying physiotherapy in on land with lumbar traction with „Comfort“ machine. 3. None of applied methods was more effective decreasing low back pain and improving functional state in patients with lumbar herniation