effect of low energy laser as an adjunct to nerve mobilization technique for sciatica

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of low energy laser therapy when it is combined with nerve mobilization technique in cases of patient with sciatica due to lumbar disc lesion. Sciatica is a common clinical problem causing pain and functional disability. Conservative treatment is a common line to avoid surgery. There are many studies that supporting the efficacy of either Laser alone or the use of nerve mobilization as a method of pain relief in sciatica, but up till now combination of both technique did not exist. Thirty patients [16 females and 14 males] diagnosed as LBP with sciatica due to prolapsed lumbar disc participated in our prospective study. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Patients were referred to physiotherapy department for 3 sessions a week for one month. A true Laser therapy combined with nerve mobilization were applied for group A and sham Laser and nerve mobilization in group B. Pain, self reported functional disability and physical performance test battery were recorded for each patient before and after the program of treatment. Both groups achieved improvement in pain, functional disability and physical performance test. Moreover group A achieved a significant improvement in pain and functional disability in relation to the group [B] with p- value < 0.05. Addition of laser to nerve mobilization technique as conservative methods for patient with sciatica showed a clear significant improvement in decrease of pain and disability