Pulsed Electromagnetic field versus Microcurrent on Treatment of Mechanical Low Back Pain in Post Menopausal Women

N. Abdel-Raoof, S.M.E. Kosery
Journal of American Science, 7(4), 2011

Background: Mechanical low back pain is considered as a serious health problem worldwide especially in post menopausal period because it certainly can limit function and capacity in both work and personal life.
Purpose of the study: to investigate and compare the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field versus microcurrent in treatment of mechanical low back pain in post menopausal women.
Methodology: Thirty post menopausal women complaining from mechanical low back pain participated in this study. Their age ranged from 50 to 60 years. They were divided randomly into two groups of equal number. Group A received the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy while group B received microcurrent therapy on lower back region. Both groups received the same physical therapy program which includes infrared, stretching exercises and strengthening exercises for back and abdominal muscles for four weeks. Pain severity and lumbar range of motion (flexion, extension, right rotation and left rotation) were measured respectively by serum cortisol level and Back range of motion device (BROM) before and after four successive weeks of treatment.
Results: indicated that there was statistically significant improvement in back pain and lumbar range of motion in group "A" compared with those in group "B" .
Conclusion: Pulsed electromagnetic field proved to be more beneficial than microcurrent in improving lumbar range of motion and perceived back pain in post menopausal women with mechanical low back pain.