Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a significant musculoskeletal disorder that requires effective physiotherapy management strategies. This controlled clinical trial compared the effectiveness of Mulligan Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) and the McKenzie Method as adjunct therapies to standard physiotherapy in patients with CLBP. Forty-two participants were randomly assigned to either the Mulligan SNAGs or McKenzie Method group and received standard physiotherapy for four weeks. The primary outcomes included pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability (ODI-G), and central sensitization (CSI-G). Secondary outcomes assessed psychological well-being (WHO-5 questionnaire). Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in all the measured outcomes. However, no significant differences were found between the groups, indicating comparable effectiveness. These findings suggest that both Mulligan SNAGs and the McKenzie Method effectively reduce pain, disability, and central sensitization while improving psychological well-being when combined with standard physiotherapy.

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Data Sharing Statement

Funding