Effects of Slump Stretching versus Mulligan’s Technique for Management of Nonradicular Low Back Pain

Abstract

Low back pain is one of the commonest conditions which almost every person suffer. There are several techniques devised to manage low back pain. Many patients get relief with Mulligan’s method of mobilization which is very popular. Another method is slump stretching which not only diagnoses the mechanosensitivity of spinal nerves but also if used with appropriate techniques can be used as a form of treatment. The aim of the study is to   compare the effectiveness of slump stretching and Mulligan’s method of mobilization in a subgroup for management of nonradicular low back pain.  Thirty subjects were included in this study. They were equally divided in two groups. One group was given Mulligan SNAG technique and exercises and other was given slump stretching and exercises. Percentage change in scores of VAS for pain postintervention in Mulligan’s group and slump stretching group was found to be significant (19.1%, 42.2%, respectively p value 0.001). Short-term disability was assessed by ODI score. Percentage change in score postintervention in both groups was also found to be significant (16.4%, 31.3%, p value 0.001). Slump stretching can be considered as better form of treatment compared to Mulligan’s method of mobilization for treatment of subgroup of patient with nonradicular low back pain. Although both form of treatment is considerably beneficial.