Manual Traction Versus Isometric Exercises in Patients with Herniated Intervertebral Lumbar Discs

Abstract

Fifty patients with lumbago-sciatica due to a proven herniated intervertebral lumbar disc were randomised between two treatment groups: manual traction and careful isometric exercises. Treatment was given daily over a period of 5-7 days. A blind overall assessment subsequent to treatment showed that in both groups approximately 40% of the patients had improved, corresponding to that which could be expected from placebo. The effect of both manual traction and isometric exercises is doubtful in patients with lumbago-sciatica and herniated lumbar discs. In further research, discriminant analysis is recommended to elucidate what characterises responders and non-responders to lumbar traction.