The effect of muscle energy technique versus chiropractic adjustive therapy in the treatment of chronic low back pain with lower cross syndrome

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)This study aims to determine whether muscle energy technique of the psoas muscle can be used as an effective treatment for low back pain with lower crossed syndrome or whether it is better to be used alone or in conjunction with spinal adjustments with regards to pain and disability, lumbar range of motion and degree of lumbar lordosis. Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to one of three different groups of ten participants each. Group 1 had muscle energy technique performed on the psoas muscle of each participant. Group 2 received spinal adjustment/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine. Group 3 received spinal adjustment/s over the restricted joint/s in the lumbar spine in conjunction with muscle energy technique on the psoas muscle. All participants were assessed over a four week period. All groups attended six treatment sessions over three weeks of which muscle energy technique and/or spinal manipulation was performed. In the fourth week only measurements were taken and no treatment was administered.Subjective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to assess pain and disability. Objective data was collected at the first and fourth consultations prior to treatment, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer for assessing active lumbar range of motion and a flexible ruler for measuring the degree of lumbar lordosis. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician.Statistically significant improvements were seen in Groups 1, 2 and 3 over the duration of the study with regards to pain, disability and lumbar range of motion as well as degree of lumbar lordosis. The data gathered in this study showed statistically significant changes in Groups 1, 2, 3 with regards to lumbar range of motion, lumbar lordosis, pain and disability, with Group 3 showing the most statistically significant changes with regard to pain and disability..