About this trial
Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve root, often resulting in radiating leg pain, numbness, weakness, and functional limitation. Conservative physiotherapy is commonly used as first-line treatment, but outcomes vary among patients.
This randomized controlled trial will compare Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises with standardized conservative physiotherapy in adults with lumbar radiculopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups for 12 weeks.
The primary outcome is lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), including Fractional Anisotropy and other diffusion parameters. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, spinal alignment, and adverse events.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a targeted posture-correction exercise approach provides greater improvement than conventional physiotherapy.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Adults aged 18 years or older. Clinical diagnosis of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Presence of at least two of the following: dermatomal radiating leg pain, neurological deficit, positive neural tension test.
Disqualifiers
Previous lumbar spine surgery. Bilateral radiculopathy or unclear diagnosis. Tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory spinal disease, or cauda equina syndrome.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises
- Conservative Physiotherapy