Effect of modified lumbar-sustained natural apophyseal glides (Snags) in nonspecific low back pain

Context: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the commonly prevailing disorders, and the leading source of causing disability globally. Spinal mobilization is commonly used in the clinical practice. According to some studies, it is evident that mobilization to the spine can be helpful in lessening pain. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to check the comparative effectiveness of Maitland Grade 1 and 2 mobilizations with mulligan snags mobilization in the treatment of nonspecific LBP. Subjects and Methods: A sample of 40 patients (mean age 35.25 years) who met with the inclusion conditions were recruited in the current study. Twenty patients each were divided into both treatment groups. Written informed consent took from each individual participating and divided randomly into two groups. In “Group A” Maitland technique, Grade 1 and Grade 2 were applied, whereas in “Group B” mulligan snags mobilization technique was applied along with infrared therapy as baseline treatment for 2 weeks. Oswestry disability questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used for assessment pre- and post-treatment. Statistical Analysis: SPSS version 21 was used. The Independent t-test was used between-group comparison and paired sample t-test was used for within-group comparison. Results: Mean difference between pre- and post-treatment values for NPRS and Oswestry Disability Index in Group A was 4.40 ± 1.31 and 24.95 ± 7.702, respectively, whereas in Group B was 3.20 ± 1.105 and 22.60 ± 9.202, respectively, with significant value of P= 0.003. Conclusions: It was concluded that mulligan mobilization is more effective than Maitland mobilization for LBP treatment. Mulligan mobilization not only decreased pain but also improved the functioning of the spine.