SPINE
Effects of Physical Exercise on Pain in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
Musculoskeletal Care. 2026 01-Jun;():. 10.1002/msc.70231Study Summary
13 randomized controlled trials including 1052 adults with lumbar disc herniation were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis of physical exercise vs control interventions. Pooled outcomes included overall pain, pain among surgical and non-surgical patients, and pain following short and medium-term exercise programs. Exercise produced a moderate reduction in pain compared with control treatment, with benefits observed across surgical status and intervention duration. Overall, physical exercise appears to improve pain in lumbar disc herniation, although substantial variability between studies reduces confidence in the precise magnitude of benefit.
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