Low Back/Radicular Pain Case Study
Low Back/Radicular Pain Case Study
Case Description: 22 y/o female with a hx of lumbar laminectomy ~2 yrs prior without full resolution of R leg pain, stating “I just don’t feel like a normal 22 year old.” In the several months prior to physical therapy her leg pain progressed to the point of avoiding walking longer than household distances when possible and she was avoiding bending at all cost. This was particularly limiting in her job purchasing and delivering groceries. She was considering a more sedentary job, however was also fearful of this due to the fact that sitting aggravated her symptoms nearly much as walking/bending.
Objective Measures: Patient was seen for 11 physical therapy visits over a 2 month period
| Tests and Measures | Initial Evaluation | Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy |
| VAS for Pain | 4-8/10 | 0-2/10 |
| Oswestry Disability Scale | 44% disability | 4% disability |
| Trunk ROM | 25% of expected for FLEX with report of catch in her lower back and radiating pain/numbness in her R leg to her foot. | 100% of expected all planes without c/o pain |
| Daily Tasks / Function | Could only sit a few minutes at a time. Unable walk comfortably more than 100 ft for work. Avoiding lifting tasks. Waking multiple times each night due to pain. Taking ibuprofen regularly for symptom management | Walk several miles without issue. No limits in sleeping. Back to full time work carrying/lifting groceries. No longer requiring medication. |
Patient comments 1 year after discharge: “I was mistreated from other clinics and lost all hope in PT. It took a lot of time to decide to go (to physical therapy) and I’m so glad I did….night and day difference from my last PT. I don’t think anything could have been a better experience. From the bottom of my heart (and healing sciatic nerve) THANK YOU!”
Sincerely,