Low Back Pain & Postural Dysfunction -
Case Profile

Profile
This 69-year-old male client, a professional writer, came with a history of chronic lower back pain. Work requires him to sit most of day, and he had developed a slumped posture. An adverse combination of reduced abdominal strength and tight hip flexors with increased abdominal weight added to gradual onset of symptoms. X-rays revealed no major disc abnormalities. Manual NMT treatment commenced weekly for eight weeks.

Treatment
All muscles that cross the hip and lower back region were treated for trigger points and functional length, especially hip-flexors, TFL, gluteals, erector spinae, quadriceps, quadratus lumborum and both lumbar/sacral multifidis. Instruction was given in Active-Isolated Stretching and gentle lumbar extension exercises were recommended. Changes to the ergonomics at his desk, as well as a new chair, were required.

Result
After one month, symptoms were quieter, but client still experienced at least one hour of stiffness in the mornings. By the end of the second month, client was able to stop taking NSAIDS. Therapy then shifted focus to increase flexibility and basic lumbo-pelvic strengthening. Client continued to receive NMT treatment at twice a month in conjunction with guidance from a strength and conditioning specialist. At six months, pain was significantly reduced and gains were maintained with strength and flexibility exercises. Dietary changes were also integrated into his program and weight loss further reduced strain on his lower back.