Herniated lumbar disc treated with Global Postural Reeducation. A middle-term evaluation.
BACKGROUND
Herniated lumbar intervertebral disc (HLID) is a pathological condition frequently seen in rehabilitation medicine that is characterized by the compression of one or more nerve roots.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the effects of Global Postural Reeducation on function and pain in patients with herniated disc at levels L4-L5 and/or L5-S1.


METHODS
Twenty-four consecutive subjects were treated with Global Postural Reeducation. Before treatment, patients reported median average pain duration of 180 days. At the beginning of treatment and on days 15, 45, 120, and 180, all completed the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.


RESULTS
The median value of the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale score decreased from 49 points at baseline to 22 points at 45 days. Moreover, the median Numeric Pain Rating Scale score decreased from 6 points at baseline to 2 points at 45 days.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicates that Global Postural Reeducation is suitable for the conservative management of HLID. Moreover, patients gained a therapeutic benefit from being active participants in their recovery.
Euromed 3000, Bologna, Italy. diciaccioe@gmail.com
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Di Ciaccio
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Polastri
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Bianchini
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Gasbarrini
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000628:therapy*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies