Lumbar radiculopathy managed with spinal mobilization with leg movement: a case study

Purpose. This report describes the case of prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc with radiating pain to leg managed with spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) combined with intermittent lumbar traction (ILT) and interferential therapy. Case presentation. Twelve treatment sessions carried out over 4 consecutive weeks thrice weekly consisting of spinal mobilization with leg movement, intermittent lumbar traction and interferential therapy. Outcome measures were documented by using Visual analog score (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) and range of straight leg raise (SLR) score. After 4 weeks, VAS improved by 7 points and ODI score improved by 19 points. Range of straight leg raise also increased significantly from 46.30 to 68.40. Conclusions. Spinal mobilization with leg movement combined with intermittent lumbar traction and interferential therapy resulted in decrease in disability and pain as well as improvement in range of straight leg raise. Therefore, it may be used as a first line of treatment with massive disc prolapse before surgical intervention.