Volume : 12, Issue : 6, JUN 2026

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF TWO PHYSIOTHERAPY PROTOCOLS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE L5–S1 DISC PROLAPSE: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL STUDY

DR. PRIYABRATA MISHRA

Abstract

Background: Acute L5–S1 lumbar disc prolapse is a common cause of low back and radiating leg pain, leading to significant functional limitation and work absenteeism. Conservative physiotherapy is the first line of management in most cases. This study compared the effectiveness of two multimodal physiotherapy protocols on pain and disability in patients with acute L5–S1 disc prolapse.

Objective: To compare the effect of (a) electrotherapy with pelvic correction and spinal extension exercises versus (b) cervico–thoracic mobilization combined with middle back strengthening, electrotherapy, and pelvic tilt correction on pain intensity and functional disability in patients with acute L5–S1 disc prolapse.

Methods: A randomized controlled, parallel?group design was used on 30 patients with MRI?confirmed acute L5–S1 disc prolapse and radicular symptoms, recruited from different regions of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Participants were randomly allocated into Group A (electrotherapy, pelvic correction, spinal extension exercises) or Group B (cervico–thoracic mobilization, middle back strengthening, electrotherapy, pelvic tilt correction). Pain (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) and disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI) were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks of intervention (5 sessions per week). Within?group and between?group analyses were performed.

Results: Both groups showed statistically and clinically significant reductions in VAS and ODI scores over 3 weeks. Group B demonstrated greater mean reduction in pain and disability than Group A, with between?group differences exceeding minimal clinically important difference values.

Conclusion: The protocol combining cervico–thoracic mobilization, middle back strengthening, electrotherapy, and pelvic tilt correction produced superior pain relief and functional improvement compared with conventional electrotherapy, pelvic correction, and spinal extension exercises alone in acute L5–S1 disc prolapse. Addressing proximal spinal segments and middle back musculature may enhance outcomes in lumbosacral disc pathology.

Keywords

ACUTE L5–S1 DISC PROLAPSE, LOW BACK PAIN, CERVICO–THORACIC MOBILIZATION, MIDDLE BACK STRENGTHENING, PELVIC CORRECTION, ELECTROTHERAPY, MCKENZIE EXTENSION.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 5

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