Changes in motor and sensory parameters in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Abstract

Aim: Our main aim is to research whether there is motor and sensory loss between the healthy and the affected part in patients with unilateral L5 root compression. It is also to specify the pain and quality of life of patients.

Materials and Methods: Muscle strength were evaluated with a manual dynamometer, Light touch/pressure sense in the L5 dermatome was measured by Semmes Weinstein Monofilament, two-point discrimination sense was discriminated and ankle proprioception sense was measured with a goniometer. Pain severity of the patients was utilized with Visual Analogue Scale and quality of life was evaluated with Short Form-36.

Results: A significant difference was found between the affected-unaffected parts of patients with spinal disc herniation in terms of motor and sensory measurements, (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in favor of males in the sensory and motor measurements of the affected side between the genders, (p<0.05). The patients' quality of life values were found to be low. The mean pain score of patients was found to be 6.53±1.66.

Conclusion: It has been determined that patients with spinal disc herniation have sensory and motor losses on the affected parts, their pain levels are above moderate and their quality of life is also affected.