Abstract
M.Tech.
Purpose: This study aims to compare the effects of lumbar spine and/or pelvic
manipulation, and lumbar spine and/or pelvic manipulation in conjunction with the
application of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® in the treatment of chronic mechanical
low back pain with regards to pain, disability and lumbar spine range of motion. These
effects were evaluated using a questionnaire consisting of a Numerical Pain Rating Scale,
and an Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire, and by measuring lumbar
spine range of motion using a digital inclinometer. The questionnaire was completed and
the range of motion readings were taken prior to treatment on the first, fourth and seventh
consultations.
Method: Thirty participants who met the inclusion criteria were stratified in number and
gender between two groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group one received
spinal manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints followed by the
administration of subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel®. The second group received spinal
manipulation to restricted lumbar spine and/or sacroiliac joints. Participants were treated six
times out of a total of seven sessions, over a maximum three week period.
Procedure: Subjective data was collected at the beginning of the first and fourth
consultations, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a Numerical Pain Rating
Scale (NPRS) and an Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire in order to assess
pain and disability levels. Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and
fourth session, as well as on the seventh consultation by means of a digital inclinometer in
order to assess lumbar spine range of motion. Analysis of collected data was performed
by a statistician.
Results: Clinically significant improvements in group 1 and group 2 were noted over the
duration of the study with reference to pain, disability, and lumbar spine range of motion.
Statistically significant changes were noted in group 1 and group 2 with reference to pain
and disability, and in group 1 with reference to lumbar spine range of motion.
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Conclusion: The results show that both spinal manipulation, as well as spinal
manipulation in conjunction with subcutaneous parenteral Traumeel® are effective
treatment protocols (as demonstrated clinically, and to a lesser extent, statistically) in
decreasing pain and disability, and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in patients
with mechanical low back pain. However, neither treatment protocol proved to be
preferential. The results carry a possible suggestion that chiropractic manipulation
(common to both groups) is effective in ameliorating participant-rated pain and disability,
and increasing lumbar spine range of motion in the case of chronic mechanical low back
pain.