Effect of Combine Cortical and Back Muscle Stimulation in Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of combine cortical and back muscle stimulation in chronic non specific low back pain (CLBP). DESIGN AND SETTING within group clinical trial in the Physiotherapy Department of Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. METHODS A total of Forty eight patients were recruited and assigned into four groups, which include group that received infrared therapy (IRT) and a session soft tissue massage (STM) only, combine dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and Back muscle stimulation plus IRT and STM, combine primary motor cortex (PMC) and Back muscle stimulations plus IRT and STM and finally Williams flexion exercise plus IRT and STM. The primary outcome (level of pain intensity) was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) while bothersome questionnaire (secondary outcome) was used to assess the level of bothersome of the participants. RESULT Statistical analysis revealed that all the interventions are significant at (P=0.002, Z=-3.16) combine PMC and back muscle stimulation, (P=0.007, Z=-2.71) combine DLPFC and Back muscle stimulation, (P=0.005, Z=-2.83) William flexion exercise and (P=0.005, Z=-2.83) control group respectively. CONCLUSION It is concluded that combine brain and back muscle is effective in the treatment of non specific CLBP, and that combine PMC and back muscle stimulation is more effect in reduction of pain than combine DLPFC and Back muscle stimulation. This result cannot be generalized because of the small sample size and sampling technique used in grouping the participants.