Effect of pumped technique for ilio-lumber ligament release on postnatal low back pain

Background: Postpartum low back pain is a common complaint after pregnancy, occurring as a result of hormonal changes and affecting approximately 25% of women. Purpose: This study was done to detect the impact of the pumped technique for iliolumbar ligament (ILL) release on postpartum LBP. Methods: Fifty women complaining of postnatal low back pain (LBP) participated. They were selected randomly from the outpatient clinic of Pharos University in Alexandria. They were aged from 25 to 35 years. All women were within 3 months postnatal. Their BMI was less than 30 kg/m². They were randomized into two equivalent groups; the control group was treated by hot packs for 20 minutes, 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks, and the study group was treated by hot packs for 20 minutes in addition to the pumped technique for ILL release for 30 minutes, 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks. All women were assessed by VAS to assess the intensity of LBP; a goniometer was used to measure lumbar flexion ROM. An inclinometer was used to assess lumbar curvature at baseline and post-treatment. Results: The results showed that both groups’ VAS and lordotic curve decreased significantly and lumbar flexion ROM increased significantly post-treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups pre-treatment. Significant differences in VAS, lordotic curve, andlumbar flexion ROM were seen between groups post-treatment, favoring the study group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the pumped technique for ILL release is effective in reducing post-natal LBP through decreasing pain intensity and lumbar lordotic curve and increasing lumbar flexion ROM.