Asymmetry of lumbar lateral flexion and treatment outcome in chronic low-back pain patients.

In a study on the treatment of chronic low-back pain (n = 456 patients; 58% men, 35-54 years of age), 3-month treatment outcome was assessed by back pain questionnaires and physical measurements including spinal and hip mobility and trunk muscle strength. Changes in differences between ranges of right and left lumbar lateral flexion and rotation of > 5 degrees from pretreatment to follow-up were recorded. A relative increase in left lumbar lateral flexion was associated with a better treatment outcome according to both back pain and physical performance (p < 0.05-0.001). With spinal rotation measurements no similar connections were observed. The results point to a connection between back pain and asymmetric spinal function, which may have pathogenetic and therapeutic significance.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes