LOW BACK/LEG PAIN
LOW BACK/LEG PAIN.
Case Description: Pt. was an otherwise healthy 34 y/o male with more than 4-year hx of intermittent debilitating back and 2-year hx of progressing L leg pain. He stated that every 2-3 weeks he experienced flare-ups that would result in him having to essentially be on bed rest, avoiding any strenuous tasks.. He had considered surgical intervention.
Objective Measures: Patient was seen for 8 physical therapy visits over a 2-month period
| Tests and Measures | Initial Evaluation | Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy |
| VAS for Pain | 3-10/10 | 0-5/10 (no leg pain) |
| Lower Extremity Functional Scale | 59% disability | 8% disability |
| Straight Leg Raise | R = 80 deg, L = 50 deg (strong neural provocation) | R = 80 deg, L = 80 deg (no pain) |
| Daily Tasks / Function | Avoiding prolonged time on his feet, struggling to lift even light weight, avoiding exercise and struggling to perform tasks like coach his children’s soccer team | No issue with prolonged time on his feet (able to fully participate in children’s soccer coaching), back to a regular fitness routine including running/squatting/lifting |
Patient comments 1 year after discharge: “I’ve gone from pain almost all the time to intermittent. I now have the tools to address my pain and feel in control and able to live less restricted… (physical therapists were) great in diagnosing the issue and quickly putting me on a recovery path. Highly recommend!”
A team approach with physician and PT can produce amazing results with LBP patients. We look forward to working together for the benefit of your patients.
Sincerely,