Dynamic muscular stabilization in the nonoperative treatment of lumbar pain syndromes.

The results of a three-year study of patients with herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy are presented. Nonoperative treatment options for these lumbar disorders, ie, an aggressive physical rehabilitation program, pain control methods, exercise training designed to eliminate repetitive intervertebral disc or facet joint injury, and dynamic muscular lumbar stabilization techniques, were utilized. Successful outcomes were achieved in 50 of the 52 (96%) nonoperatively treated patients. A subcategory of patients with extruded nuclear fragments had an 87% success rate. Ninety-two percent of the overall study population was able to return to work.