title: The Effects of Manual Therapy Using Joint Mobilization and Flexion-distraction Techniques on Chronic Low Back Pain and Disc Heights.
abstract: [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of manual therapy using joint mobilization and flexion-distraction techniques on chronic low back pain and disc heights. [Subjects] This study was conducted with 31 chronic low back pain patients who were divided into a manual therapy group (MTG; n=16) and a spinal decompression therapy group (SDTG; n=15). [Methods] The MTG was treated using joint mobilization techniques and flexion-distraction techniques, and the SDTG was treated using spinal decompression therapeutic apparatuses. Conservative physical therapy was used in both groups, and the therapy was implemented three times per week for 6 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure patient's low back pain scores, and a picture archiving and communication system was used to measure disc height by comparing and analyzing the images. [Results] In comparisons of the VAS within each of the two groups, both the MTG and the SDTG showed significant decreases. In comparisons of disc height within each of the two groups, the MTG showed statistically significant increases. [Conclusion] Manual therapy using joint mobilization techniques and flexion-distraction techniques is considered an effective intervention for addressing low back pain and disc heights in patients with chronic low back pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Graduate School Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jioun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Gak
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hwangbo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jungseo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sangyong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Joint mobilization techniques; Manual therapy; Spinal decompression therapy