The Effectiveness of Neurodynamic Techniques in Patients With Nerve-Related Leg Pain

The Effectiveness of Neurodynamic Techniques in Patients With Nerve-Related Leg Pain

This study aims to verify if patients with nerve-related leg pain benefits from neurodynamic treatment over two weeks.

Nerve-related leg pain (NRLP) although less prevalent than low back pain itself, is associated with higher economic and social burden, and has been considered a predictor of chronicity and disability among subjects with low back pain.

Numerous approaches are proposed for its management; however, evidence regarding the best therapeutic approach is lacking. Neurodynamic techniques are proposed to be effective to manage NRLP.

Thus, this study aims to verify, through a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of a two-week program of neurodynamic techniques on pain and disability in individuals with NRLP.

Inclusion criteria:

• unilateral leg pain (Intensity ≥ 3)
• Pain distal to the buttocks
• Reproduction of symptoms and change in symptoms with structural differentiation (cervical return to neutral position or ankle dorsiflexion) with slump test;

Exclusion criteria:

• cauda equina syndrome;
• bilateral leg pain;
• crossed Lasègue sign;
• previous surgery in the lumbar spine;
• inflammatory arthropathies;
• malignancy
• being in litigation or in work-compensation due to back and/or leg pain
• being receiving physiotherapy treatment at the time of baseline assessment