Investigation of the effects of lumbar stabilization exercises and connective tissue massage on neuropathic pain, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with peripheral neuropathy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercises and connective tissue massage on pain severity, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain by comparing with a control group. Twenty-two patients with neuropathic pain diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy were included in the study. The first group (n=8) consisted of lumbar stabilization exercises, the second group (n=8) consisted of connective tissue massage (CTM) and third group (n=6) was a control group receiving only medical treatment. Patients were included in the treatment program twice a week for six weeks. Pain intensity (numerical assessment scale), pain quality (Neuropathic Pain Scale (NAI)), functional capacity (Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)) and quality of life (Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire) were evaluated before and after treatment. In the exercise and the CTM groups, "average and most severe pain" intensity decreased statistically, but only "most severe pain" intensity was significant when compared with the control group. There was an improvement in 'sharp and dull' parameters in exercise group and in 'sharp and hot' parameters in the CTM group in NPS (p<0.05). There was a difference between groups in favor of exercise and CTM groups (p<0.05). After treatment, the negative effect of pain on 'walking and enjoyment of life' parameters in exercise group and negative effect of pain on 'mood and relations with other people' parameters in CTM group decreased in BPI (p<0.05). Only in exercise group showed an increase in quality of life after treatment (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups both BPI and quality of life results (p>0.05). In conclusion, it is thought that these treatments can be used as an effective treatment option to reduce the intensity of pain in the clinic as an approach that supports medical treatment in people with neuropathic pain.