Motorized traction and non-surgical spinal decompression treatments are relatively new treatments for which there is insufficient evidence in the literature. In this study investigators aimed to retrospectively compare the effectiveness of these treatments, which are in the field of their routine practice in their clinic.

Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. People with physically demanding jobs, physical and mental comorbidities, smokers, and obese individuals are at greater risk for low back pain. Anatomical structures that potentially nociceptive contributors to low back pain are intervertebral discs, facet joints, and vertebral end plates. It has been determined that nonsurgical treatments are clinically effective in reducing pain and functional improvement in patients with lumbar disc herniation. However, the level of evidence has generally not been highly evaluated, which can be attributed to the paucity of well designed randomized controlled trials. Despite moderate evidence, exercise and traction are recommended. In this study investigators aimed to retrospectively compare the effectiveness of these treatments, which are in the field of their routine practice in their clinic.

01.01.2019-10.11.2022. Investigators planned to examine the records of patients aged 20-75 years who underwent physical therapy with the diagnosis of lumbar discopathy in AFSU FTR Department Physical Therapy Unit. Investigators planned to examine the routine anamnesis examination, treatment card and control evaluation records of the patients made in the FTR outpatient clinic from the automation system of their hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with lumbar disc disorders
• Patients diagnosed with lumbar vertical hernia
• Aged 20-75 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients treated for acute low back pain
• Patients with a history of lumbar surgery
• Patients with Spondylolisthesis or Spinal Stenosis
• Those with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (Ankylosing spondylitis, spondylarthropathy etc.)
• Patients with sequestered hernia
• Patients with insufficient data in the records

Patients aged 20-75 who underwent physical therapy with the diagnosis of Lumbar discopathy in Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Unit between 01.01.2019-10.11.2022.