Year: 2025 | Month: May | Volume: 15 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 82-87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250511
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Combined with Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain and Disability in Individuals with Lumbar Disc Herniation - A Case Report
Radhika1, Dr. Ishaan Gupta2, Dr. Divya Midha3, Dr. Narkeesh Arumugam4, Maninder Singh5
1,5Post Graduation Student, 2Assistant Professor, 3Professor and Head,
Department of Physiotherapy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, India.
4Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Punjabi University, Patiala, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ishaan Gupta
ABSTRACT
Introduction: This case report aims to explore the effects of combining pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy with conventional physiotherapy in managing lumbar disc herniation (LDH). A 41year-old male patient presented with complaints of low back pain radiating to the right lower limb, accompanied by numbness and intermittent tingling sensations. The symptoms had persisted for 3 months progressively affecting the patient’s mobility and daily activities.
Methods: A treatment protocol integrating PEMF therapy with conventional physiotherapy, including manual therapy and exercises, was administered for 3 weeks. Pain intensity and disability levels were assessed using standardized outcome measures, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Result: Following treatment, the patient experienced a marked reduction in pain and improvement in functional capacity. The NPRS decreased from 7/10 to 2/10 in 15 sessions, and the ODI score improved from 80 % to 32%.
Discussion: This case highlights the potential benefits of integrating PEMF therapy with conventional physiotherapy in the management of LDH. Although findings from a single case cannot be generalized, this report supports the need for further investigation into the combined use of PEMF and conventional physiotherapy as a conservative treatment strategy for LDH.
Conclusion: This report suggests that integrating PEMF therapy with standard physiotherapy may be beneficial for managing LDH. Further research is required to validate these findings in larger populations.
Key words: Lumbar Disc herniation, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, pain management, functional recovery, non-invasive treatment, rehabilitation