A Comparative Analysis between Effects of Core Stabilization Program V/s Conventional Exercise in the Management of Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Background: conventional back care exercise is usually advocated to treat pain and to strengthen the involved muscles, and there will be always chance of pain reoccurrence due to disproportionate balance and stability in the muscles. The core stabilization is major trend of rehabilitation as it aims at improving stability during functional activities, balance, flexibility, strength training and effectively manage the pain as well.

Objective: To introduce the efficacy of concept of core stabilization when compared to conventional back care exercise in patients with mechanical low back pain.

Methods: 40 patients with chronic mechanical low back pain were selected through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned to control group that received conventional back exercise and short wave diathermy (n=20), both group received short wave diathermy, along with conventional exercise for one group and core stabilization for the other group 3 days in week for 6 weeks, the treatment out come was assessed by visual analogue scale, Roland Morris disability scale and lumbar range of motion by using goniometry.

Results: after 6 week training period the core stabilization group scored significantly higher than conventional group for vas (p=0.05), and rmdq (p=0.05) where as range of motion improved in conventional group.

Conclusion: after the treatment sessions core stabilization group registered a significant improvement when compared to conventional back care exercise in improving function and relieving pain.