Patient Profile:
- Chief Complaint: Chronic low back pain, exacerbated by stress and prolonged sitting.
- Associated Symptoms: The patient reported significant visceral symptoms, including digestive issues and constipation. This indicates a potential connection between the musculoskeletal and visceral systems.
Treatment Protocol:
The patient underwent a comprehensive treatment plan over three sessions, combining advanced physical therapies and patient education.
- Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy was applied to the lumbar spine and surrounding tissues. This non-invasive treatment uses high-energy sound waves to promote tissue repair, reduce pain, and stimulate a healing response.
- Visceral Mobilization and Manual Therapy: The patient received visceral mobilization, a specialized form of manual therapy that gently manipulates the internal organs. This improves their motion and function. It was combined with traditional manual therapy to address muscle tension, joint restrictions, and fascial tightness in the lumbar and abdominal regions.
- Ergonomic and Postural Education: A crucial component of the treatment was providing the patient with practical advice on ergonomics and proper sitting posture. This included instructions on maintaining a neutral spine, adjusting chair height, and positioning their computer. These steps help to minimize stress on the back while working.
Outcomes:
Following the three sessions, the patient reported significant and lasting improvements:
- Pain and Discomfort: The patient experienced a marked decrease in low back pain, especially when sitting for long periods.
- Functional Mobility: There was a significant improvement in range of motion, making daily movements and activities easier and less painful.
- Visceral Symptoms: The patient noted a positive resolution of their digestive issues and constipation. This outcome highlights the strong link between musculoskeletal health and visceral function. It demonstrates that treating the back holistically can have far-reaching systemic benefits.
Conclusion:
This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-modal approach to treating complex conditions like chronic low back pain with associated visceral symptoms. By integrating shockwave therapy to stimulate tissue repair, visceral mobilization to address internal organ mobility, and patient education on proper ergonomics, comprehensive and sustained relief was possible. This approach alleviates the pain and also addresses the underlying factors contributing to the patient’s overall health and well-being.
