Effectiveness of Myofascial Release, Muscle Energy Technique and Stretching of Quadrartus Lumborum Muscle in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Background: Low back pain is attributed to be the most commonly encountered health condition and considered to be one of the leading cause of disability. It is known to occur in all age groups in both developed as well as developing countries. About 80% of the patients have moderate to severe pain affecting their activities of daily living, with females more affected than males. Almost 90% of low back pain is of non-specific type. Quadratus lumborum is one of the deep muscles located closer to center of rotation of spinal segment having an ideal muscle length controlling motion at spine. Activities like sustained repetitive movements, twisting, bending, and sedentary posture for prolong duration, muscle imbalance, etc. leads to trigger point formation making quadratus lumborum as a common source of low back pain. Aim: To determine the combined effect of myofascial release therapy, muscle energy technique and stretching of Quadratus Lumborum muscle in Non-specific low back pain in a short duration span. Methods: In this Experimental study design, two groups were divided as Control and Experimental group with a pre and post test format for both groups. 35 participants were selected and divided into 2 groups by using the Random Sampling Technique using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcome measures assessed were Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRPS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Lumbar Range of Motion with Modified Schober's Test. A specifically designed treatment protocol for individual group was used for duration of 2 weeks. Statiscal Analysis: Paired and Unpaired t test were used for the analysis of the data. Results: The results of the study showed extremely significant difference between both the groups for NPRS and ODI with p<0.0001 using unpaired t test considered extremely significant. The increase in mean values is extremely significant for Lumbar ROM while comparing the pre and post-test values for mean difference of experimental group than control. The improvement in lumbar flexion, side flexion is more marked than for extension with minimal to no difference in rotation. Conclusion: The combined effect of Myofascial release, Muscle energy technique and stretching of Quadratus Lumborum has shown to be effective in treatment of patients with non-specific low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]