Improving Pain and Disability in Lower Back Pain with Neural Mobilization: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Radiating pain in a leg region usually supplied by a single nerve root in the lumbar or sacral spine is the hallmark of sciatica; sensory and motor impairments may also be present. Neural mobilization is one therapy for lumbosacral radiculopathy on which physical therapists have placed a great deal of attention. Its goal is to mobilize peripheral neural tissue and surrounding tissues, which in turn affects the mechanical properties of peripheral nerves. NM can lessen the mechanical sensitivity of nerves and has a hypoalgesic impact. Methods: Systematic review of the studies reporting separate outcomes of patients with LBP and LBP with leg pain and synthesis of available evidence. Literature search of English language peer-reviewed publication was conducted using CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar. Results: Of the papers gained though search, 13 were included in the review and all these articles supported that Neural Mobilization is an effective method to decrease pain and improve functional ability in patients with NSLBP.