Case Studies - Back Pain
Case Study: Slipped Disc
Treatment of: Low Back Pain with Left Leg Pain and Numbness with Non Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: L4 and L5 Disc Degeneration.
Patient: 35 year old male with low back pain and numbness which travels to the bottom of the left foot.
Objective findings: X-ray findings show lowered disc height at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels with progressed Phase II degeneration. Lumbar curvature was noted as being mildly decreased. For last two weeks pain level has been 9/10 VAS.
Prior Treatment: Conservative palliative care, Oxycodone for pain.
Initial Disability Level: Patient experiencing 9/10 VAS, 10 being the worst pain. Unable to do anything, missed work for 2 weeks.
Course of Care: 5 times a week for 2 weeks, 3 times a week for 2 weeks, and 2 times a week for 2 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: After 13 visits, experiencing no pain.
Patient Comments:
“I highly recommend AV Disc Center. I had a severe slipped disc, pinching my sciatic nerve making my legs go numb and causing a lot of pain. Through extremely great care from the doctors and staff there and magical decompression table treatments. I was up and back to work in a very short time. The doctors here actually listen to you and try and pin point what the problem is. With on-site X-ray capabilities and many years of experience and knowledge of accident and injury treatments. There can be no other chiropractor facility for me.”
Case Study: Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy
Treatment of: Intervertebral Disc Disorder with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: L5-S1 Intervertebral Disc Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease.
Patient: 41 year old female with constant low back pain that radiates to the left glute. Pain began due to slipping on stairs and has persisted for 2 years. On average the pain is a 7/10 VAS but can get so severe that she experiences lightheadedness and sweats.
Objective findings: X-ray findings of a narrowed space between the L5-S1 vertebrae. Due to the duration of time in pain, Phase II degeneration is noted at the L5-S1 level.
Prior Treatment: Patient tried braces, heat, TENS, Physical Therapy, Pain Management, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and was advised to schedule lumbar fusion surgery.
Initial Pain Level: 7/10 VAS, with 10 being the worst pain. Patient reports the pain being present constantly, 100% of the day.
Disability Level: Severe constant low back pain which prevented the patient from having a social life. Her favorite activity of dancing, she is unable to do. At work she is unable to bend over, stand, and sit for prolonged periods. She has had to miss work due to pain being so severe.
Course of Care: 20 sessions of spinal decompression
Short Term Outcome: After 3 visits of decompression pain went from 7/10 VAS to 3/10 VAS.
Discharge Disability Level: Patient is able to dance and work with no restrictions while maintaining minimal to no pain.
Patient Comment:
“I’ve had traction before through physical therapy and I thought the DRX machine was the same, I was WRONG! It really locates/ pinpoints the pain and it is AMAZING! With 3 visits my pain level went from 7 to a 3! I’ve had chronic low back pain for over 7 years and have never had so much relief. Thanks to all the staff and especially the kindness and care from Lisa & Ellie, who situate you on the DRX machine properly so you can get the best treatment every time. I recommend!”
Case Study: Radiating Low Back Pain with Left foot numbness
Treatment of: L5-S1 Central Disc Bulge with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: L5-S1 Central Disc Bulge
Patient: 45 year old male with low back pain which radiates down both legs and numbness to the feet. This pain and numbness has been experienced for the past 3 years.
Objective findings: X-ray findings of narrowed disc space at the level of L5. It is also noted that there are anterior and posterior hypertrophic arthritic changes at the L5 level. The progression of degeneration is categorized as phase II. MRI report confirmed at the level of L5-S1 a 5mm disc bulge causing mild compression of the central canal and severe compression of bilateral recesses and bilateral neural foramina.
Prior Treatment: Patient was treated with electrodes, massage, and opioids.
Initial Pain Level: 7 out of 10, with 10 being the worst pain. Patient reports the pain being present constantly, 80% of the day.
Disability Level: Severe back pain which prevented the patient from leaving bed. Unable to walk for prolonged periods of time.
Course of Care: 5 times a week for 2 weeks, 5 times a week for 1 week, 3 times a week for 2 weeks, and 1 time a week for 4 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: Leg numbness is gone by visit 5 and pain down to a 1-2/10 after 11 visits.
Discharge Disability Level: Patient is able to get out of bed with ease and walk with minimal to no pain.
Patient Comment: “I feel way better. My pain level dropped from 6-7 out of 10 to a 1-2. My feet are no longer numb!”
Case Study: Low Back Pain & Left Foot Neuropathy
Treatment of: L5 Bulging Disc with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: L5 bulging disc
Patient: 64 year old female with low back pain which radiates down the left leg to the toes. Patient has been experiencing these symptoms for over 30 years.
Objective findings: X-ray findings of a severe levoconvex scoliosis with the apex at the level of L2. Findings of narrowed disc space at the level of L4/L5 and osteoarthritis at the levels of L1-L5. The progression of degeneration noted is categorized as phase II.
Prior Treatment: Patient was sent to multiple physical therapists and took over the counter NSAIDS.
Initial Pain Level: 9 out of 10, with 10 being the worst pain.
Disability Level: Patient was unable to stand when teaching. She was an assistant for ballroom dance classes and could no longer do so.
Course of Care: 5 times a week for 2 weeks, 5 times a week for 1 week, 3 times a week for 2 weeks, and 2 times a week for 2 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: After 5 treatments, the patient’s pain was at a 1 out of 10 and was able to dance with no increase in pain.
Discharge Disability Level: Patient is able to do activities, which would otherwise increase pain, for a prolonged amount of time without pain increasing. She is able to dance without increasing pain.
Patient Comment: “After the first week of care, I had no more sciatica. By the time I finished, I was brave enough to go on a two hour horseback ride on vacation with no problems. “