EFFECTS OF SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY AND HOT PACK WITH BACK STRENGTHENING EXERCISES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE LOW BACK PAIN

Acute back pain is the fifth most common reason for visiting the physicians and practitioners. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in the society. This research has been conducted on experimental method by using sample size of 60 patients including both the genders. The participants have been selected from the OPD of physical therapy and rehabilitation of the tertiary care hospital. 60 patients was divided into two groups where Group A was treated with hot packs at low back for 25 minutes with low back strengthening exercises and whereas Group B was treated with SWD (continuous mode) for 15 minutes with the exercises. Exercises were started from the 4th day of treatment in both conditions after being relieved from acute back pain and spasm. Both groups received 5 sessions per week for consecutive 3 weeks. Therefore, the symptoms have been reassessed at 8th and 15th day of treatment. After analyzing the data it was found that, the patients in group A treated with hot packs and back strengthening exercises were relieved from pain more quickly and efficiently than the group B treated with short wave and exercises.