Abstract
This study discusses the effectiveness of lumbar flexion exercise for patients with lumbar facet syndrome (LFS), that was measured radiographically with patients standing relaxed and in lumbar maximum extension side lying saggitally. Subjects were 35 outpatients with LFS who performed lumbar flexion exercises. These patients presented with no root sign, but increased pain with backward bending. Positive therapeutic effects were obtained in 88.6% of the subjects and they combined with no and relieved low back pain (LBP). Lumbar segment motions were measured of the X-ray films in relaxed standing and lumbar maximum extension side lying. And this data was compared with the grade of LBP relief. Patients for whom this regimen was effective demonstrated increased mobility, and on the other hand, in ineffective patients showed hyperlordosis at the beginning of flexion exercises. Conclusion: Lumbar flexion exercises proved to be useful for LFS. Lumbar segment motion improved in relaxed standing and lumbar maximum extension at side lying position of the patients with relieved LBP.