Changes in the physical examination findings and herniated disc as assessed by MRI up to 3 years
| Number of patients (n) | Evaluation | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | 24 Weeks | 1 Year | 3 Years | |
| Outcome assessed by MRI* | ||||
| Similar | 36 | 27 | 23 | |
| Improved | 21 | 37 | 42 | |
| Aggravated | 16 | 9 | 8 | |
| Limited range of motion (ROM) | 59 | 10 | 7 | 9 |
| Muscle weakness | 34 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Sensory loss | 18 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Straight leg raise test <60° | 51 | 11 | 3 | 5 |
*Changes in size of the main herniated disc most likely to produce sciatic symptoms were compared by MRI with results from the previous follow-up and classified into three categories as evaluated by a radiologist and a Korean medicine doctor: improved, similar and worse.