Difference between Neurodynamic Mobilization and Stretching Exercises for Chronic Discogenic Sciatica

Abstract Background: Sciatica has noxious symptoms and critical functional disabilities, which disturbs people lives. Physio-therapy modalities play the most important role in the con-servative management of sciatica. Aim of Study: To compare the effectiveness of the slider, tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques and stretching exercises on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion, and functional disability in patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. Patients and Methods: Thirty-six patients with unilateral chronic discogenic sciatica from both sexes, their ages ranged from 21-50 years, were randomly allocated into three equal groups. Group (A) received slider neurodynamic mobilization technique only, while group (B) received tensioner neurody-namic mobilization technique only, and group (C) received stretching exercises of back extensors, hamstrings and gas-trocnemius muscles only. In addition to ergonomic advice given to all the three groups. Treatment was given three days per week for two consecutive weeks. The outcome measures were assessed pre and post treatment. Pain intensity was measured using visual analogue scale. ROM of ankle dorsi-flexion was measured using the universal goniometer. Func-tional disability was measured using the Oswestry disability index. Results: There were found significant differences in both; the slider and tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques as compared to stretching exercises in pain intensity and functional disability. There were found no significant differ-ences between the three groups in ankle dorsiflexion ROM. Conclusion: Slider and tensioner neurodynamic mobili-zation techniques are more effective than stretching exercises in terms of reducing pain intensity and improving functional disability without significant differences between them in improving ankle dorsiflexion ROM.