Spinal Manipulation Shows Lasting Benefits for Lumbar Radiculopathy

Low back pain with leg pain (lumbar radiculopathy) can be one of the most debilitating conditions patients face. When nerve irritation or compression in the lower spine causes pain that radiates down the leg, everyday activities like walking, sitting, or even sleeping can feel impossible. While physical therapy is widely recommended, new research highlights how adding spinal manipulation can significantly improve recovery.

Study Objective

A team of researchers set out to evaluate whether spinal manipulation therapy could enhance treatment outcomes for patients with nonacute lumbar radiculopathy- that is, persistent back and leg pain lasting more than four weeks.

How the Study Was Done

• Design: Randomized controlled trial with two groups (manipulation + physiotherapy vs. physiotherapy alone).
• Participants: 44 patients with unilateral radicular low back pain.
• Interventions:
  • Both groups received physiotherapy.
  • The manipulation group also received three sessions of spinal manipulation therapy (Robert Maigne’s technique), one week apart.
• Measurements:
  • Pain intensity (visual analog scale).
  • Disability level (Oswestry Disability Questionnaire).
  • Spinal range of motion.
  • Tests like the straight leg raise for nerve tension.
• Timeline: Assessments were made at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 3 months.

Key Results

• Pain Reduction: Both groups saw significant decreases in back and leg pain (p ≤ 0.003).
• Function & Disability: Only the manipulation group showed significant improvement in disability scores (p < 0.001).
• Spinal Mobility: Manipulation patients improved in all ranges of motion (p < 0.001), while the control group improved in only some movements.
• Nerve Tension Tests: Manipulation patients had better results on the straight leg raise test (p = 0.001).
• Overall Outcomes: Between-group comparisons consistently favored spinal manipulation with large effect sizes, meaning the differences were both statistically and clinically meaningful.

This trial demonstrates that spinal manipulation can significantly enhance physiotherapy outcomes in patients with subacute or chronic lumbar radiculopathy. Not only did patients report less pain, but they also showed measurable improvements in mobility, nerve function, and daily life activities—benefits that lasted at least three months after treatment.

Why This Matters for Patients

If you’re struggling with ongoing back and leg pain, this research suggests that combining physical therapy with targeted spinal manipulation could offer superior relief compared to physiotherapy alone. Working with a multidisciplinary team, such as chiropractors, physical therapists, and medical providers can ensure you get a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to recovery.

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