Neural Dynamics Technique for the Treatment of Chronic Radicular Low Back Pain

Low back pain ( LBP) is a significant health problem which affects about 70%-80% of the population during the course of their life . The majority of LBP is resolved within 3 months; however, up to 40% of LBP becomes chronic. One subgroup of chronic LBP is patients with sciatica. Sciatica is characterized by radiating pain to the buttock and lower limb, with or without low back pain. It has been shown in the upper limb that by positioning the contra-lateral arm in tension the investigators actually reduce tension in the ipsilateral arm. Patients, who present with symptoms like sciatica, can benefit from this maneuver (neural dynamics techniques) that reduces tension through the contra-lateral leg. Working Hypothesis: Compared with a placebo maneuver of the upper limb, the neural dynamics techniques will result in better rehabilitation of individuals with radicular LBP.