Abstract

Background. Low back pain syndromes are a social and medical problem affecting 40-50% of the population. The most common cause of low back pain syndromes is changes within the intervertebral disc. The abnormalities may affect the stability of the motion segment. The aim of this work is an analysis of the application of selected procedures of the PNF method and McKenzie method in the treatment of 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd- degree L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral disc injury. Material and Method. Patients were divided into two homogeneous groups. The experimental group (30 people) was subjected to exercises according to the PNF and McKenzie methods and the control group (30 people) utilised only McKenzie exercises. Treatment efficacy was estimated during and on completion of the treatment, and 6 months after completion on the basis of the pattern of pain, range of motion in the sagittal plane, evaluation of the strength of trunk flexors and extensors and the rate of relapse. The results were subjected to a statistical analysis. Results. There was more rapid pain reduction, improvement of range of motion, strength and fewer relapses in the experimental group. The positive effects of the treatment were sustained over the six-month follow-up. Conclusion. The combined application of the two methods in the experimental group was associated with superior efficacy compared to the control group.

Key words:

intervertebral disc disease, treatment, PNF method