The effects of diversified chiropractic adjustments versus flexion-distraction technique in the treatment and management of chronic lumbar facet syndrome

M. Tech.Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Diversified Chiropractic adjustments versus Flexion-Distraction Technique in the management and treatment of chronic Lumbar Facet Syndrome. Method: This study consisted of two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of 15 participants with chronic Lumbar Facet Syndrome. The participants were between the ages of 20 and 45 years. Potential candidates were examined and accepted based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A received Diversified Chiropractic Adjustments and Group B received Flexion-Distraction Technique to the lumbar facets. Procedure: Each participant was treated eight times over a period of four weeks. Before the commencement of treatment one, four and eight, the participants completed the Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Index questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale. A Digital Inclinometer was used to measure lumbar spine ranges of motion. Diversified Chiropractic adjustments were then administered to Group A based on the restrictions obtained during motion palpation. Flexion-Distraction Technique was administered to Group B based also on the restrictions that were obtained during motion palpation. Results: Objective statistically significant differences were noted on flexion and left lateral flexion ranges of motion before treatment, and clinically significant differences we noted on flexion and right lateral flexion after treatment, in favour of Group A. Subjective readings also showed statistically significant differences with regards to Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale in favour of both Group A and Group B. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that both Diversified Chiropractic adjustments and Flexion-Distraction Technique have a positive effect on patients suffering from chronic Lumbar Facet Syndrome. However, Diversified Chiropractic adjustments proved to have a greater overall benefit compared to Flexion-Distraction Technique in the management and treatment of Lumbar Facet Syndrome