Effect of Neural Tissue Mobilization on Hamstring length and pain in patients with prolapsed intervertebral disc

Background: A common spinal disorder that most commonly occurs in the lumbar region, prolapsed intervertebral disc disease (PIVD) is characterized by displacement of disc tissue beyond the intervertebral space.  Compression or irritation of adjacent nerve roots, most often the sciatic nerve, may cause low back pain, sciatica (pain traveling down the leg), and reduced lower limb flexibility, particularly of the hamstring muscles.

Individuals with lumbar disc disease tend to be tight in their hamstrings.  Both neural stress, which restricts the movement of the nerve itself, and defensive muscle guarding may be the reason.  Electrotherapy, core strengthening, traction, and flexibility training are typical elements of conventional PIVD rehabilitation; however, these interventions could not effectively deal with the mechanosensitivity of brain structures.

The objective of neural tissue mobilization, which is also referred to as neurodynamics or nerve gliding, is to restore peripheral nerves’ normal range of movement and flexibility.  Mobilizing the nerve through controlled joint and muscle movements along its course may reduce pain, improve range of motion, and reduce nerve irritation. Neural mobilization has been demonstrated in research to reduce symptoms in conditions like sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome, but its application in the treatment of hamstring pain and stiffness related to PIVD is in its early stages.

Investigating the effectiveness of neural tissue mobilization in patients with PIVD may offer valuable information and lead to improved rehabilitation methods due to the relationship between neural structures, muscle flexibility, and pain..

**Purpose:**The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of neural tissue mobilization in helping patients with prolapsed intervertebral disc disease (PIVD) extend their hamstring muscles and reduce their discomfort.

Methods: : A sample of PIVD with hamstring tightness will be recruited. Active knee extension test, finger to toe touch test for hamstring tightness and visual analogue scale for pain will be recorded at baseline. They will be divided into 2 groups: experimental group which receive the neural tissue mobilization and control group which receive conventional treatment . The treatment will be given for 5 days a week for 1 week and further assessments will be done at the end of 4 weeks.

Data Analysis:.: Data will be analyzed by using SPSS software version 24.