Case Studies - Herniated Discs
Case Study: Right Calf Pain
Treatment of: Lumbar Disc Bulges with small annular tear with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: Persistent radiating right calf pain for 6 to 8 weeks
Patient: T.L. is a 71 year old male with complaint of persistent and worsening right calf pain for approximately two months.
Objective findings: MRI of lumbar spine reveals L4-5 and L5-S1 diffuse disc bulges and a small annular tear at L5-S l
Prior Treatment: Celebrex, Advil, chiropractic, e-stim and hot packs.
Initial Disability Level: Back flexion 70 degrees, back extension 15 degrees.
Initial Pain Level: 5 out of 10, with ten considered the worst possible pain
Course of Care: 20 sessions of axial decompression over 6 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: Patient achieved 100% relief or a pain level of `0′ by the 9th Axial Decompression treatment.
Discharge Disability Level: Back flexion greater than 90 degrees, extension 30 degrees.
Patient Comments: “I only take painkillers when needed-only take Advil at night. I can sleep in any position now.”
Case Study: Lumbar Radiculopathy
Herniated Nucleus Pulposus with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: Lumbar Radiculopathy
Patient: B.L. is a 27-year-old male with three-month complaint of worsening low back pain radiating to the left leg.
Objective findings: MRI of the lumbar spine reportedly reveals a 7-8 mm herniated disc at L4-5 and a broad based annular bulge with a small right paracentral protrusion at L5-S1, with bilateral facet joint arthropathy.
Prior Treatment: Chiropractic Care, Vicodin 3 to 6 per day.
Initial Pain Level: 8 out of 10, with ten considered the worst possible pain.
Course of Care: 23 sessions of axial decompression over 6 weeks. Three sessions added to the usual 20.
Short Term Outcome: Patient achieved 98% relief or a pain level of ‘1’ by the 21st Axial Decompression treatment.
Case Study: Lumbar Radiculopathy
Treatment of: Herniated Disc with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: L5 Herniated Disc
Patient: 46 year old female with a complaint of low back pain which travels down the left leg. The pain is described as being achy, sharp, stabbing, throbbing, and pressure down the entire left leg. The patient has been experiencing this pain for 13 years.
Objective findings: MRI of the lumbar spine revealed at the level of L5-S1 an 8 mm disc protrusion with moderate to severe neuroforaminal narrowing bilaterally impinging on the L5 and S1 nerve roots bilaterally. There is also a 2-3 mm disc protrusion at the level of L3-4 and 3-4 mm disc protrusion at the level of L4-5.
Prior Treatment: Recurring pain management for 13 years, 4 sets of epidural injections, physical therapy, and acupuncture.
Initial Pain Level: 62% according to the oswestry questionnaire.
Disability Level: Unable to put weight onto left leg without severe pain.
Course of Care: 5 times a week for 2 weeks, 2 times a week for 2 weeks, 2 times for 4 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: Patient, after 5 weeks of non-surgical spinal decompression, reported being at a 29% on the oswestry questionnaire.
Discharge Disability Level: Patient reports being able to walk for 3 hours without any pain with only a day or two in the week with minimal pain.
Patient Comment: I can put pressure on my left side for the first time, able to accomplish everyday household stuff.
Case Study: Persistent Low Back Pain with Radiculopathy to feet bilaterally
Treatment of: Multiple Disc Herniations with Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
Condition: Multiple Disc Herniations
Patient: 68 year old male with low back pain which radiates down to the feet bilaterally. The pain is described as being achy, sharp, throbbing, and pressure. The patient has been experiencing this pain for 3 years.
Objective findings: X- ray findings of mild decrease in lumbar lordosis. A narrowed disc space between L5-S1 and osteoarthritis at L4-L5.
Prior Treatment: Patient tried NSAIDs, physical therapy, and epidural injections.
Initial Pain Level: 8 out of 10, with 10 being the worst pain. Patient reports pain being present 76-100% of the day.
Disability Level: Initial oswestry score of 44%. Patient was unable to stand or walk for more than 1-2 minutes. Unable to stand, sit, walk, and perform any activities.
Course of Care: 5 times a week for 2 weeks, 3 times a week for 2 weeks, 2 times a week for 4 weeks.
Short Term Outcome: Minimal pain and better mobility after 6 sessions of decompression.
Discharge Disability Level: Patient is able to stand and walk. Quality of life has significantly increased and is now able to perform activities which pain was preventing.
Patient Comment: My pain is at a minimum. I am able to stand and walk. My quality of life has changed and I’m doing more things. I’m glad to have come to Antelope Valley Disc Center, great care that I didn’t expect.