Investigation of the efficacy of spinal local decompression therapy and high intensity laser therapy in patients with cervical disc herniation

Cervical disc herniation occurs with disc degeneration as well as the deterioration of the natural structure of bones and joints. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of local decompression method and high-intensity laser therapy on limitation of motion, pain and functional status in the cervical region. A total of 30 people aged 20-65 years who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation were included in the study, and after the initial evaluation of the participants, they were randomized into 3 groups with 10 people in each group. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Therapeutic Ultrasound and Exercise therapy were applied to all three groups; Additionally, SLDT Group received spinal decompression therapy, HILT Group received high-intensity laser therapy, and Control Group received exercise therapy. Evaluations were made twice, before and after the treatment. The disability of the participants in daily life and leisure activities due to neck pathologies was evaluated using the Neck Disability Questionnaire, pain intensity was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale, and neck joint range of motion was evaluated with a goniometer. At the end of the study, significant improvements were detected in all parameters after the treatment compared to before the treatment, in the intragroup comparisons in all three groups (p<0.05). In comparisons between groups, a significant superiority was observed in the pain and disability parameters of the SLDT Group compared to the HILT and Control groups (p <0.05); HILT Group gave statistically significantly higher results than Control Group in neck left rotation joint range of motion and disability parameters (p<0.05). As a result, although all three methods are treatment methods that reduce pain and disability and increase joint range of motion in patients with cervical disc herniation, spinal decompression therapy seems to be used as a more effective treatment method in pain and functional status compared to other methods. Keywords: Subacromial Impingement Syndrome, Manual Therapy, Scapular Stabilization Exercises.