Effectiveness of a Novel Neural Tissue Management to Improve Short-term Pain and Disability in Patients With Sciatica

Effectiveness of a Novel Neural Tissue Management to Improve Short-term Pain and Disability in Patients With Sciatica

Objectives: To analyse the effects of sciatic neural mobilisation, in combination to the treatment of the surrounding structures, on pain and disability. Secondly, to investigate baseline characteristics that may be associated with improvements in pain and lumbar disability. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with a clinical diagnosis of sciatica were treated with neural mobilization, joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques. Pain intensity and lumbar disability were assessed at baseline and after treatment using a Numerical Rating Scale (0-10) and the Oswestry Disability Index (0-100), respectively. The pre- and post-intervention data were compared.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Low back pain with radiating leg pain and/or paresthesia below the knee that follows the L5 and/or S1 dermatomal pattern.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of lumbar and abdominal surgery
• Rheumatologic syndromes (e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis);
• Lumbar stenosis.