Low Back Pain

Case Description: Patient is a 40 year old female who presented to physical therapy a history of lower back pain for at least 2 yrs prior. Her pain had progressed to the point where she was nearly unable to participate in her normal work tasks and she was beginning to experience shooting pain and persistent numbness in both legs.  She was a facilities manager, requiring frequent lifting of up to 100 lbs.    

Objective Measures: Patient was seen for 14 physical therapy visits over a 2.5 month

Tests and Measures	Initial Evaluation	Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy
VAS for Pain	8/10, described as “sharp and exhausting”	0-2/10
Oswestry Disability Scale	32% disability	16% disability
Trunk ROM	50% of expected for FLEX with report of severe provocation of bilateral leg pain.	100% of expected all planes without c/o pain
Daily Tasks	Had been avoiding work tasks when possible and having severe flare-ups when forced to, limiting tolerance for tasks at home.  Had avoided regular exercise due to her symptoms.	Performing work activities without limitation, often lifting up to 100 lbs.  Resumed normal fitness routine.
Lower Extremity Symptoms	Frequent and severe bilateral entire leg pain, often associated with numbness	Full resolution of LE symptoms

Patient Comments at Discharge: “When I first started physical therapy I had constant lower back pain and shooting pain that ran down my leg.  Upon completion of treatment I have more range of motion and can manage my discomfort throughout the day…I was very impressed with the level of care the therapists were able to provide!”

Sincerely,

Luke Vander Zouwen, DPT
Full Potential Physical Therapy