A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN NEURAL MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES VERSUS MCKENZIE EXERCISES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SCIATICA

Background of the Study: Acute sciatica is one of the most common problems affecting adult population annually. Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability and frequently accompanied by Numbness, tingling, and burning sensation in the lower extremities. The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of neural mobilization techniques and McKenzie exercise in patients with acute sciatica. Methodology: The study was a comparative study of pre and posttest type, conducted at A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital campus, with study duration of 6 weeks. Using simple Random sampling method 30subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A (n = 15) were treated with neural mobilization technique and group B were treated with McKenzie exercise. Group A with 15 subjects were treated with neural mobilization technique. This technique was performed by alternating by hip flexion knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. This movement were performed for 3 minutes on the dominant leg. Treatment was given daily basis for 5 consecutive days. Group B with 15 subjects were treated with McKenzie exercise like cobra stretch, lying on pillow, sphinx and standing extension exercise (hold 10 sec, repeat 10 times). Outcome Measures were Lower extremity functional scale, numerical pain rating scale, passive [SLR] test, slump test. Results: On comparing Pre- test and Post test within Group A & Group B on LEFS Score, NPRS Score and SLR Test shows significant difference in the mean values at P ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Greater improvement is seen in sciatica patients who received NMT (Neuro Mobilization Technique) than McKenzie exercise.