Effectiveness of Specific Lumbar Stabilization Exercises: A Single Case Study

Abstract

Chronic low back pain may, in many cases, be secondary to the inhibition of lumbar stabilizing musculature, including the multifidus and transversus abdominus. This single case study addressed the use of specific lumbar stabilizing exercises to retrain these muscles and decrease the symptoms of chronic low back dysfunction. The subject experienced marked relief in all impairments including range of motion and report of pain following five treatment sessions.     

Clinical decision making in a patient with secondary hip-spine syndrome

The prevalence of lumbar and hip pathology is on the rise; however, treatment outcomes have not improved, highlighting the difficulty in identifying and treating the correct impairments. The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical decision making in the examination and treatment of an individual with secondary hip-spine syndrome. Our case study was a 62-year-old male with low back pain with concomitant right hip pain. His Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 18%, back numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) was 4/10, fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) work subscale was 0, FABQ physical activity subscale was 18, and patient specific functional scale (PSFS) was 7.33. Physical examination revealed findings consistent with secondary hip-spine syndrome. He was treated for four visits with joint mobilization/manipulation and strengthening exercises directed at the hip. At discharge, all standardized outcome measures achieved full resolution. Clinical decision making in the presence of lumbopelvic-hip pain is often difficult. Previous literature has shown that some patients with lumbopelvic-hip pain respond favorably to manual therapy and exercise targeting regions adjacent to the lumbar spine. The findings of this case report suggest that individuals with a primary complaint of LBP with hip impairments may benefit from interventions to reduce hip impairments.     

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFurther research on pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) effects on the different conditions of low back pain was warranted due to lack of studies in this area.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with 50 Hz frequency, with low intensity of 20 Gauss compared to conventional non-invasive treatment modalities in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.MethodsDesign – A prospective, randomized, patient-blinded, controlled trial. Setting – The study was conducted at Outpatient Physiotherapy Clinic in Cairo, Egypt. The study was conducted between May 2015 and September 2016. Participants – Fifty participants with non-specific low back pain enrolled into experimental and control groups. Interventions – The experimental group received the Conventional physical therapy Protocol as well as magnetic field, while the control group received the same Conventional physical therapy and sham electromagnetic field. Both groups received 12 sessions over 4 weeks’ period. Outcome measures – Primary outcome measures was pain intensity while the secondary outcome measures were disability and lumbar range of motion – ROM. There were no adverse events occurred during the study.ResultsFifty participants with non-specific low back pain (control group n = 25; experimental group n = 25) were randomized. There were significant between-group differences in pain scores (mean difference – MD 1.52; 95%CI −0.34 to 3.35), function disability (MD 8.14; 95%CI 6.5 to 9.96), Range of Motion (ROM) of lumbar flexion (MD −1.27; 95%CI −1.09 to −1.45), ROM of lumbar extension (MD −1.1; 95%CI −0.97 to −1.23), ROM of lumbar right side bending (MD 8.2; 95%CI 6.56 to 9.84) and ROM of lumbar left side bending (MD 10.4; 95%CI 8.81 to 11.99) in favour of the experimental group.ConclusionAdding pulsed electromagnetic field to Conventional physical therapy Protocol yields superior clinical improvement in pain, functional disability, and lumbar ROM in patients with non-specific low back pain than Conventional physical therapy alone.     

Neurogenic hallux valgus. A rare complication of spinal surgery

IntroductionPost-surgical lumbar spine syndrome is the result of failed or unsuccessful back surgery. It is defined as failure to relieve pain and disability in the lower back and extremities following surgery. This case report suggests inclusion of neurogenic hallux valgus to the list of potential complications following failed lumbar spine surgery.Case reportA severe unilateral hallux valgus deformity with an irreducible dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint due to complete wasting of the abductor hallucis muscle was diagnosed in a 73-year-old woman admitted for a hip fracture. The patient reported that the deformity developed after a failed lumbar spine surgery, which included decompression and stabilization of L2-S1 with posterior instrumentation 6 years previously. The deformity progressively deteriorated over a 3-year-period. Three months following the hip fracture surgery, the patient went through a neurological examination and an electrophysiological study. The findings indicated that the left hallux valgus deformity most likely developed because of the abductor hallucis muscle wasting due to S1 nerve root injury secondary to the failed lumbar spine surgery.ConclusionPost-surgical lumbar spine syndrome may be a reasonable causative etiology of a severe unilateral hallux valgus deformity with an irreducible dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint due to complete wasting of the abductor hallucis muscle secondary to S1 nerve root injury.     

The why,where, and how clinical reasoning model for the evaluation and treatment of patients with low back pain

BackgroundThere is considerable overlap between pain referral patterns from the lumbar disc, lumbar facets, the sacroiliac joint (SIJ), and the hip. Additionally, sciatic like symptoms may originate from the lumbar spine or secondary to extra-spinal sources such as deep gluteal syndrome (GPS). Given that there are several overlapping potential anatomic sources of symptoms that may be synchronous in patients who have low back pain (LBP), it may not be realistic that a linear deductive approach can be used to establish a diagnosis and direct treatment in this group of patients.ObjectiveThe objective of this theoretical clinical reasoning model is to provide a framework to help clinicians integrate linear and non-linear clinical reasoning approaches to minimize clinical reasoning errors related to logically fallacious thinking and cognitive biases.MethodsThis masterclass proposes a hypothesis-driven and probabilistic approach that uses clinical reasoning for managing LBP that seeks to eliminate the challenges related to using any single diagnostic paradigm.ConclusionsThis model integrates the why (mechanism of primary symptoms), where (location of the primary driver of symptoms), and how (impact of mechanical input and how it may or may not modulate the patient's primary complaint). The integration of these components individually, in serial, or simultaneously may help to develop clinical reasoning through reflection on and in action. A better understanding of what these concepts are and how they are related through the proposed model may help to improve the clinical conversation, academic application of clinical reasoning, and clinical outcomes.     

Massage therapy treatment and outcomes in a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A case report

BackgroundCharcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a progressive hereditary peripheral neuropathy, leads to muscle weakness, wasting, and sensory and motor nerve deprivation. The two main types of CMT are CMT1 (demyelinating) and CMT2 (axonal). Initial findings include foot deformities and sensory changes with progression to altered gait, diminished reflexes, and muscle wasting and weakness. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms with physiotherapy, orthotics, splints, braces, fatigue and pain management and possible surgical intervention. Research is limited on the effects of massage or other complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) on CMT.ObjectiveTo determine whether massage therapy would aid in reducing bilateral foot and lumbar pain and increasing lumbar range of motion (ROM) in a CMT patient.MethodA 44-year-old male with CMT presented with lumbar and bilateral foot pain, and foot deformities. Treatment aims were to decrease lumbar and foot pain and increase lumbar ROM. A tape measure was used to measure lumbar flexion and extension pre- and post-treatment. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was used to evaluate foot and lumbar pain intensity before and after each treatment. Rhythmical superficial touch, myofascial release, and petrissage techniques were applied to the back, legs, and neck. A massage therapy student provided treatments over seven weeks.ResultsBilateral foot and lumbar pain decreased and lumbar flexion and extension increased post-treatment, and overall. All other lumbar movements increased overall.ConclusionMassage therapy may positively affect pain intensity and ROM associated with CMT. Future studies linking massage therapy and CMT are needed.     

Effect of increased relative stiffness of the lumbar spine on hamstring muscle stretching in individuals with a history of low back pain suspected to have a clinical lumbar instability: A randomized crossover design

BackgroundTheoretically, lumbopelvic stabilization techniques during hamstring muscle stretching could increase lumbar stiffness relative to hamstring muscle in individuals with a history of low back pain and suspected clinical lumbar instability. However, evidence to support this theory is limited. This study aimed to 1) determine changes in lumbopelvic, lumbar, and hip motions, and hamstring muscle length after stretching exercises with lumbopelvic stiffening or relaxing techniques, and 2) compare those changes between techniques.MethodsThis study used a randomized crossover design. Thirty-two participants with a history of low back pain and bilateral hamstring muscle tightness were recruited. The order of the first technique was randomly assigned. After a 2-day washout, participants were crossed over to the second technique. Motion data during active forward trunk bending and bilateral hamstring muscle length during passive knee extension were collected pre- and post-intervention.FindingsSignificant increases (P < 0.05) were found in bilateral hamstring muscle length for both techniques. However, stiffening technique demonstrated a significant decrease in lumbar motion (P < 0.05) and increase in hip motion (P < 0.05), while relaxing technique demonstrated trends showing increases in lumbar and hip motions (P = 0.134 and 0.115, respectively). The findings showed significantly greater improvement (P < 0.05) in lumbar and hip motions with stiffening technique.InterpretationThe findings suggest increased relative stiffness of the lumbar spine during hamstring muscle stretching can specifically lengthen bilateral hamstring muscle and decrease excessive lumbar motion. This stiffening technique may prevent excessive movement of the lumbar spine, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent low back pain.     

Differential diagnosis of endometriosis in patient with nonspecific low back pain: A case report

BackgroundEndometriosis is one of the most widespread gynecological disorders and a very common condition amongst fertile women, thus it has to be considered one of the possible sources of lumbopelvic pain. Endometriosis is commonly related to low back pain (LBP) and therefore often mistaken for a musculoskeletal disorder.The purpose of this case report is to underline the primary role of clinical reasoning and assessment process, which led the physiotherapist to the differential diagnosis, considering endometriosis among the possible causes of low back pain.Case presentationS.C, 45 years old, complained to physiotherapist of lumbar spine and left buttock pain, spreading to the hypogastric, inguinal and left pubic areas. The patient's past medical history included gynecological visceral disorders, regularly monitored. Functional evaluation and clinical tests revealed a disorder referred to the lumbar spine and sacroiliac region. Initial physical therapy management included education, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. Nevertheless, after five treatment sessions, the symptoms remained unchanged, and therefore the patient was referred to a gynecologist for a consultation. The patient underwent a laparoscopy for endometriosis eradication and the intervention resulted in complete abolition of symptoms, enabling the patient to return to work and to do physical activities.Conclusionsthis case report highlights the importance of a thorough clinical assessment and the identification of relevant findings from patient's medical history to be carried out by the physiotherapist. Those are of crucial importance to make an appropriate differential diagnosis and to screen amongst the possible causes of lumbopelvic pain also visceral ones as endometriosis, which often manifests with associated symptoms such as nonspecific LBP.     

Differences in lumbar spine and lower extremity kinematics during a step down functional task in people with and people without low back pain

BackgroundWhen functional movements are impaired in people with low back pain, they may be a contributing factor to chronicity and recurrence. The purpose of the current study was to examine lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity kinematics during a step down functional task between people with and without a history of low back pain.MethodsA 3-dimensional motion capture system was used to analyze kinematics during a step down task. Total excursion of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity segments in each plane were calculated from the start to end of the task. Separate analysis of variance tests (α = 0.05) were conducted to determine the effect of independent variables of group and plane on lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremity kinematics. An exploratory analysis was conducted to examine kinematic differences among movement-based low back pain subgroups.FindingsSubjects with low back pain displayed less lumbar spine movement than controls across all three planes of movement (P-values = 0.001–0.043). This group difference was most pronounced in the sagittal plane. For the lower extremity, subjects with low back pain displayed more frontal and axial plane knee movement than controls (P-values = 0.001). There were no significant differences in kinematics among movement-based low back pain subgroups.InterpretationPeople with low back pain displayed less lumbar region movement in the sagittal plane and more off-plane knee movements than the control group during a step down task. Clinicians can use this information when assessing lumbar spine and lower extremity movement during functional tasks, with the goal of developing movement-based interventions.     

Spinal pain made worse by recumbency: a clue to spinal cord tumors

In the absence of physical findings, pain in the low back, cervical or thoracic spine, or the extremities presents a diagnostic problem. On occasion the pain is present or made worse only when the patient lies down. We have attended four patients with underlying extradural tumors of the spinal canal. A 75-year-old woman with chronic back pain was treated for multiple myeloma with intravenous dexamethasone and 400 rads of x-ray irradiation to the lumbar spine and experienced marked pain relief in 24 hours. A 76-year-old woman with neck pain had complete pain relief after a vascular, calcified meningioma was removed surgically from under the 2nd and 3rd cervical nerve roots. A 38-year-old male with constant pain in the lumbar area and right leg and foot experienced marked relief from pain after a neurolemmoma of the cauda equina was surgically removed. A 57-year-old woman with knee pain became pain free 24 hours after radiation therapy to an enlarged nodular cauda equina. These four cases illustrate a diagnostic clue rarely mentioned in the literature.     

Application of a classification system and description of a combined manual therapy intervention: a case with low back related leg pain

Low back pain and leg pain commonly occur together. Multiple factors can cause low back related leg pain; therefore, identification of the source of symptoms is required in order to develop an appropriate intervention program. The patient in this case presented with low back and leg pain. A patho-mechanism based classification is described in combination with the patient’s subjective and objective examination findings to guide treatment. The patient’s symptoms improved marginally with intervention addressing primarily the musculoskeletal impairments and with intervention addressing primarily the neurodynamic impairments. Full functional improvements were attained with a manual therapy intervention directed at both mechanisms simultaneously. The approach described in this case address a mixed pathology utilizing passive accessory and passive physiological lumbar mobilizations in combination with lower extremity neurodynamic mobilization. The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms after a total of seven visits over a period of 6 weeks. While specific guidelines do not yet exist for treatment based on the classification approach utilized, this case report provides an example of manual therapy to address low back related leg pain of mixed pathology.     

Widespread Proprioceptive Acuity Impairment in Chronic Back Pain: A Cross-sectional Study

ObjectiveTo investigate whether proprioceptive accuracy measured with the Joint Position Sense (JPS) in patients with chronic neck and low back pain is impaired exclusively in affected areas or also in distant areas, not affected by pain.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingInterdisciplinary outpatient rehabilitation clinic for back and neck pain.ParticipantsPatients with chronic neck pain (n=30), patients with chronic low back pain (n=30), and age- and sex-matched asymptomatic control subjects (n=30; N=90).InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresPatients and asymptomatic control subjects completed a test procedure for the JPS of the cervical spine, lumbar spine, and ankle in a randomized order. Between group differences were analyzed with the univariate analysis of variance and associations of the JPS with clinical features using the Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsBoth patients with chronic neck pain (P<.001) and patients with chronic low back pain (P<.01) differed significantly from asymptomatic controls in the JPS of the cervical spine, lumbar spine and ankle joint, regardless of the painful area. No difference was shown between patient groups (P>.05). An association of the JPS with clinical characteristics, however, could not be shown.ConclusionThese results suggest widespread impairment of proprioceptive accuracy in patients with chronic and low back pain and a role for central sensorimotor processes in musculoskeletal pain conditions.     

Consistency of a lumbar movement pattern across functional activities in people with low back pain

BackgroundLimitation in function is a primary reason people with low back pain seek medical treatment. Specific lumbar movement patterns, repeated throughout the day, have been proposed to contribute to the development and course of low back pain. Varying the demands of a functional activity test may provide some insight into whether people display consistent lumbar movement patterns during functional activities. Our purpose was to examine the consistency of the lumbar movement pattern during variations of a functional activity test in people with low back pain and back-healthy people.Methods16 back-healthy adults and 32 people with low back pain participated. Low back pain participants were classified based on the level of self-reported functional limitations. Participants performed 5 different conditions of a functional activity test. Lumbar excursion in the early phase of movement was examined. The association between functional limitations and early phase lumbar excursion for each test condition was examined.FindingsPeople with low back pain and high levels of functional limitation demonstrated a consistent pattern of greater early phase lumbar excursion across test conditions (p < 0.05). For each test condition, the amount of early phase lumbar excursion was associated with functional limitation (r = 0.28–0.62).InterpretationOur research provides preliminary evidence that people with low back pain adopt consistent movement patterns during the performance of functional activities. Our findings indicate that the lumbar spine consistently moves more readily into its available range in people with low back pain and high levels of functional limitation. How the lumbar spine moves during a functional activity may contribute to functional limitations.     

Relationships among lumbar hip motion angle,perceptual awareness,and low back pain in young adults

[Purpose] We aimed to examine the relationships among low back pain, lumbar-hip motion angle, and lumbar perceptual awareness in young adults to improve the treatment of low back pain. [Participants and Methods] Data were collected from 36 university students with low back pain. The items included for evaluation were the low back pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale), disability due to low back pain (Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index), lumbar spine and hip motion angles in test movements, and perceptual awareness (Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire). The test movements employed included trunk forward bending, trunk back bending, and prone hip extension. The motion angles of the lumbar spine and hip joints were measured using a wearable sensor. [Results] The Numeric Rating Scale was not correlated with the lumbar hip motion angle and perceptual awareness. The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index was correlated with lumbar hip motion angles, at the beginning of trunk forward bending and at maximum trunk backward bending, and with perceptual awareness. [Conclusion] There are relationships among disabilities due to low back pain, lumbar hip motion angles, and perceptual awareness in each test movement; however, they vary depending on the type and angle of the test movement conducted.     

Chiropractic management of a patient with lumbar spinal stenosis

OBJECTIVES: To discuss the case of a patient with severe, multilevel central canal stenosis who was managed conservatively with flexion-distraction manipulation; to introduce a cautious approach to the application of treatment, which can reduce the risk of adverse effects and might make an apprehensive doctor more comfortable treating this condition; and to propose a theoretic mechanism for relief of symptoms through use of chiropractic manipulation. Clinical Features: A 78-year-old man had low back pain and severe bilateral leg pains. Objective findings were minimal, yet magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated severe degenerative lumbar stenosis at L3-L4 and L4-L5 and to a lesser degree at L2-L3. Intervention and Outcome: Flexion-distraction manipulation of the lumbar spine was performed. Incremental increases in traction forces were applied as the patient responded positively to care. He experienced a decrease in the frequency and intensity of his leg symptoms and a resolution of his low back pain. These improvements were maintained at a 5-month follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Successful management of symptoms either caused by or complicated by lumbar spinal stenosis is presented. Manipulation of the spine shows promise for relief of symptoms through improving spinal biomechanics. Further study in the form of a randomized clinical trial is warranted.     

The relationship between balance performance,lumbar extension strength,trunk extension endurance,and pain in participants with chronic low back pain,and those without

BackgroundChronic low back pain is associated with lumbar extensor deconditioning. This may contribute to decreased neuromuscular control and balance. However, balance is also influenced by the hip musculature. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine balance in both asymptomatic participants and those with chronic low back pain, and to examine the relationships among balance, lumbar extension strength, trunk extension endurance, and pain.MethodsForty three asymptomatic participants and 21 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain underwent balance testing using the Star Excursion Balance Test, lumbar extension strength, trunk extension endurance, and pain using a visual analogue scale.FindingsSignificant correlations were found between lumbar extension strength and Star Excursion Balance Test scores in the chronic low back pain group (r = 0.439–0.615) and in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.309–0.411). Correlations in the chronic low back pain group were consistently found in posterior directions. Lumbar extension strength explained ~19.3% to ~37.8% of the variance in Star Excursion Balance Test scores for the chronic low back pain group and ~9.5% to ~16.9% for the asymptomatic group.InterpretationThese results suggest that the lumbar extensors may be an important factor in determining the motor control dysfunctions, such as limited balance, that arise in chronic low back pain. As such, specific strengthening of this musculature may be an approach to aid in reversing these dysfunctions.     

Lumbar synovial cyst as a cause of low back pain and acute radiculopathy: a case report

The authors report the case of a 69-year old female with a persistent history of low back pain. Plain lumbar radiographs, performed at symptom initiation, revealed lumbar spondylolisthesis. Low back pain was attributed to this, and the patient received conservative treatment with partial relief of symptoms. Four years later, and as a result of acute onset of radicular symptoms, a lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed, revealing an epidural cystic lesion. The cyst was removed, and histopathology revealed a synovial cyst.     

The relationship of lumbar flexion to disability in patients with low back pain

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physical therapists routinely assess spinal active range of motion (AROM) in patients with low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to use 2 approaches to examine the relationship between impairment of lumbar spine flexion AROM and disability. One approach relied on the use of normative data to determine when an impairment in flexion AROM was present. The other approach required therapists to make judgments of whether the flexion AROM impairment was relevant to the patient's disability. SUBJECTS: Fifteen physical therapists and 81 patients with LBP completed in the study. METHODS: Patients completed the Roland-Morris Back Pain Questionnaire (RMQ), and the therapists assessed lumbar spine flexion AROM using a dual-inclinometer technique at the initial visit and again at discharge. RESULTS: Correlations between the lumbar flexion AROM measure and disability were low and did not vary appreciably for the 2 approaches tested. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Measures of lumbar flexion AROM should not be used as surrogate measures of disability. Lumbar spine flexion AROM and disability are weakly correlated, suggesting that flexion AROM measures should not be used as treatment goals.     

An index to quantify deviations from normal trunk mobility: Clinical correlation and initial test of validity

BackgroundIn case of people suffering from chronic low back pain, specific movements of the hip, pelvis, and trunk are associated with pain. Comparing range of motion measurements for multiple planes and from different segments and lines in reference to those of healthy individuals seems interesting but present interpretations challenge in relation to important number of variables and correlation with clinical data.MethodsThe proposed index is based on using principal component analysis to quantify differences in trunk mobility between patients with chronic low back pain and a control group. Kinematic data were recorded for the cervical and thoracic vertebrae, the lumbar spine, and the pelvic and scapular belts during repeated trials (hip flexion and extension, hip bending, and trunk twists). Angular motion values were calculated. Principal component analysis was used to convert 10 discrete variables (kinematical data) extracted from control data into 10 independent variables.FindingsThe proposed index comprises the sum of the variables. Initial demonstration of its clinical utility and statistical tests of this index validity were revealed. It establishes correlations between the psychosocial impact of chronic low back pain, trunk mobility (as summarized by the index) and the positive effects of functional restoration program.InterpretationThis index let to assess the absolute potential benefits of rehabilitation in term of kinematic motion. Functional restoration program promotes the physical functioning of patients by increasing their range of motion. This index uses kinematic motion to assess the potential benefits of such rehabilitation program.