A Comparison Between Physical Methods Based on Mechanical Action and Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Discogenic Low Back Pain.

Background/

Objectives

Back pain affects a large number of people and, therefore, represents a significant financial burden for the state. In most cases, it can be treated conservatively. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the effects of multiple impulse therapy (MIT), the McKenzie method, axial traction using the Saunders lumbar lift, and NSAID pharmacotherapy in patients with discogenic low back pain (DLBP).

Methods

All patients completed a subjective evaluation of pain, both before and immediately after treatment, providing values on the Laitinen and VAS scales. The Schober test was performed in all groups. Pain and mobility were also assessed 30 days after the completion of treatment.

Results

In all groups of patients, a significant improvement was obtained both at the end of treatment and 30 days after the applied therapies. On the Laitinen scale, the best results were obtained with McKenzie therapy and were similar with Saunders traction. On the VAS scale, the best results were observed in the group of patients treated with multiple impulse therapy and according to the Schober test.

Conclusions

Multiple impulse therapy functions as a valuable modality for pain control for treating patients with discogenic low back pain compared to McKenzie MDT and Saunders traction. MIT is well-tolerated by patients, completely safe, and non-invasive. Physiokinetic methods such as Saunders' traction, McKenzie, and MIT showed greater analgesic efficacy when compared to drug treatment in patients with discogenic low back pain.