Thrust Manipulation Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Somatic Dysfunction in Mechanical Low Back Pain Patients

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is defined as discomfort or pain located at the area from the 12th rib down to the gluteal area. Purpose:To compare short term effect of high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation versus muscle energy technique on somatic dysfunction in mechanical low back pain patients in terms of pain and tenderness. Subjects and Methods: 40 patients with mechanical low back pain, their ages range from 20-30 years. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group A (24±3.69 years) received a single high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation technique for lumbar spine, while group B (24.3±3.57 years) received 3 contractions of muscle energy technique. Visual analogue scale and pressure algometer were used to assess pain and tenderness respectively pre and post treatment. Results:The study revealed that there was significant decrease in pain and tenderness post treatment in both groups. While there was no significant difference in tenderness between both groups post treatment, there was significant difference in pain between both groups post treatment where group A revealed significant decrease in pain. Conclusion:Both high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation and muscle energy technique have significant short term effect on somatic dysfunctions in mechanical low back pain patients. However, high velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation is more effective in decreasing pain perception. KEY WORDS:Mechanical low back pain, Somatic dysfunction, High velocity low amplitude thrust manipulation, Muscle energy technique.