Lumbar facet syndrome: spinographic assessment of treatment by spinal manipulative therapy

Spinographic parameters of a group of patients with extension facet subluxations and a group with herniated disc nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine were evaluated pre- and post-manipulative treatment. A statistically significant decrease in the mean disc angle at the involved level in the extension facet subluxation group was seen with the mean post-treatment disc angle more closely resembling that of the controls. Likewise, a statistically significant increase occurred in the mean disc angle at the involved level in the disc herniation group post-treatment to one more closely resembling that of the controls. Distinct postural configurations were identified in the two test groups. That of the disc group normalized post-treatment, suggesting it to be a secondary pathomechanical process such as antalgia. The postural complex of the facet group was significantly different than that of the control group, but did not change significantly after correction of the acute lesion by manipulation, suggesting it to possibly be an antecedent etiological factor to these lesions.