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Pain response to sagittal end-range spinal motion. A prospective, randomized, multicentered trial
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, State University of New York, Syracuse.
Spine
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Repeated lumbar extension movements significantly reduced low-back pain intensity and centralization. Lumbar flexion movements, however, increased pain intensity and peripheralization, with most patients preferring extension.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Low-back pain is a prevalent condition often managed with physical therapy.
- Lumbar spine movements are frequently employed to assess and treat pain.
- Understanding the differential effects of flexion and extension is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate effects of end-range lumbar flexion and extension movements on low-back and referred pain.
- To compare the impact of these movements performed in standing versus recumbent positions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, multicentered clinical study.
- Patients underwent repeated end-range lumbar flexion and extension in standing and recumbent positions.
- Pain intensity and location (central and referred) were systematically documented.
Main Results:
- Lumbar extension significantly decreased pain intensity and centralized referred pain.
- Lumbar flexion significantly increased pain intensity and peripheralized pain.
- A majority of patients showed a preference for extension movements.
Conclusions:
- End-range lumbar extension appears beneficial for reducing low-back pain and referred pain centralization.
- Lumbar flexion may exacerbate pain and its spread, suggesting caution in its application.
- Patient preference for extension highlights its potential therapeutic value in managing low-back pain.