ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the curative effect of comprehensive rehabilitative treatment for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion by using the MRI tests before and after the treatment. Methods Forty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion were treated by a comprehensive rehabilitative treatment program composed of physical modalities, medications, traction, massage and medical gymnastics, for 30 days. MRI test were performed with all the patients, and comparison of the MRI manifestations before and after the treatment was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Results The clinical effective rate was 82.5%. There was no significant difference between the MRI manifestations, including MRI signal intensity, thickness and degree of the protrusion, anteroposterior and transverse diameter, width of lateral recess, before and after the treatment. Conclusion The comprehensive rehabilitative treatment program used in this study did not significantly decrease the size of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, but did relieve or cure the clinical symptoms of the patients.