Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manual threatment in physiotherapy and rehabilitation of patients with chronic low back pain. Material and methods: 30 patients, aged between 18-65, who accepted to be included in this study and diagnosed as chronic low back pain, were randomly divided into 2 groups: 1 control and 1 application. All patients (including the control group) underwent a standard physiotherapy program consisting of low back training and spine strengthening and stabilization exercises. The control group received no treatment other than this standard physiotherapy program. In addition to this program, manual treatment was applied to the application grup. The patients were treated for a total of 6 weeks, 2 sessions per week. The level of pain severity of the participants was determined by Visual Pain Scale (VAS) and Algometry; The level of muscle strength was measured by muscle dynamometer. Oswestry Disability Index for functional evaluation; Beck Depression Inventory for anxiety level; Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36) was used for quality of life and Tampa Kinesophobia Scale was used for fear of movement. These assessments were performed at the beginning and end of the 6- week treatment program. Results: We found statistically significant differences in both groups between the before-treatment and after-treatment results in terms of all evaluation parameters except Tampa kinesiophobia. Manual treatment method has reduced the severity of pain, increased muscle strenght, contributed positively to functional statues, decreased the level of anxiety and depression and improved the quality of life but no improvement in kinesiophobia in patients with chronic low back pain. Conclusion: In line with our study results, we anticipate that the planned physiotherapy and rehabilitation program and manuel therapy will reduce the health expenditures by finding a solution option for chronic low back pain commonly seen in societies.

Keywords: