Background: A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposus displaces
through the fibrous ring, usually postero-laterally. Sciatica pain is a clinical
manifestation of compression and irritation of the dural sac and lumbar nerve roots.
Aim: To examine the impact of combined PEMF therapy with core muscle training
in patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. Methods: Thirty-four patients with
chronic discogenic sciatica were allocated at random to one of two groups: a study
group comprised of 17 patients who underwent combined PEMF therapy with core
muscle training and a selected physical therapy program and a control group
consisting of 17 patients who underwent a selected physical therapy program. Both
groups were examined at the start and 4 weeks later using the visual analog scale
(VAS) (0–10), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a digital goniometer, and
results were compared prior to and following the treatment. Results: There was a
significant statistical difference (P < 0.05) between the study group and the control
group at post-treatment of VAS, right SLR ROM, left SLR ROM, and ODI (P =
0.0001). These changes were not only statistically significant but also clinically
notable because the magnitude of VAS score drop was greater than the minimal
clinically important difference. These results suggest that patients with chronic
discogenic sciatica benefit more from the combination intervention. Conclusion:
Combined PEMF therapy with core muscle training is a feasible approach for
conservative treatment of chronic discogenic sciatica. They showed a notable
improvement in the intensity of pain and in domains of total Oswestry score and an
improvement in SLR ROM. |
