Effectiveness of Mckenzie Exercises Versus Neural Flossing Technique in Patients with Lumbar Radiculopathy

Abstract

Background: Lumbar radiculopathy is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that includes pain, tingling,
numbness, and weakness that spreads along the pathway of the sciatic nerve. This condition can arise when any of
the five sciatic spinal nerve roots become compressed or irritated, affecting one or both lower limbs.
Purpose: The study is to compare the effectiveness of McKenzie exercises and the neural flossing technique in
managing lumbar radiculopathy in patients.
Methodology: The study recruited 40 participants with lumbar radiculopathy, randomly allocating them to Group
A (McKenzie exercises along with laser therapy) and Group B (neural flossing with low-level laser therapy). The
modified Oswestry Disability Index and Numeric Pain Rating Scale were used to assess outcomes.
Results: The results showed that the neural flossing technique (Group B) demonstrated statistically significant
improvements in reducing pain and improving function compared to the McKenzie exercises (Group A) posttreatment.
Group B had significantly lower NPRS scores (p < 0.0001) and a higher improvement in MODI scores
compared to Group A.
Conclusion: In this study, the neural flossing technique (Group B) showed superior outcomes in managing lumbar
radiculopathy compared to McKenzie exercises (Group A). Group B exhibited significantly lower pain levels and
greater improvement in functional disability. These findings suggest that the neural flossing technique may be a
more effective treatment option for patients with lumbar radiculopathy.