Effect of Strain Counter Strain Technique in Treatment of Lower Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Effect of Strain Counter Strain Technique in Treatment of Lower Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

This study aims to investigate the impact of impact of strain counterstrain technique on pain, lumbar range of motion and functional impairment in patients with lower back Myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a prevalent form of musculoskeletal pain that impedes everyday activities and reduces productivity.Those who experience difficulties with regional pain frequently report myofascial pain. According to statistics, between 85% and 93% of patients who attend specialized pain treatment facilities and between 21% and 30% of people with regional pain who visit a general medical clinic also have it.Trigger points, which are hyperirritable tender spots in palpably tense bands of skeletal muscles, are what define it. These spots can cause referred pain patterns, painfully limited range of motion, stiffness, muscle fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction.

Numerous clinical therapies as well as training regimens have been developed to combat trigger points. Strain counterstrain technique (SCS), is one of several manual methods for trigger points, which is a passive method that opens shortened tissues and reduces musculoskeletal pain. It may be possible to activate the Golgi tendon organ, which relaxes tense and tight muscles, by positioning shortened and painful tissues in a comfortable way, which would result in a reduction in the sensitivity of the trigger point.

Hence, the purpose of this study is to ascertain how SCS affects pain, ROM, and functional disability in individuals suffering from lower back myofascial pain syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patients age from 20 to 40 years for both genders.
2. Patients (office worker) with mechanical back pain for 3 months ago and has not been diagnose as a specific disease or spinal abnormality.
3. Patients suffering from active MTrPS in lower back muscle.
4. According to the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, patients suffered moderate disability care (20-40%).
5. Patients capable of doing ROM assessment of Lumbar Spine (flexion, extension, as well as side binding) within the limit of pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Neurological, systemic illness and infectious diseases such as rheumatologic diseases, tumor.
2. Psychiatric/mental deficit.
3. Patients who had a previous surgical history (within 6 months) were also excluded prior to the baseline assessment.
4. Vertebral compression fracture
5. Pregnancy and lactation.
6. Existing lower limb symptoms.
7. Activity intolerance due to cardiopulmonary disease.