Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mark Romanick

Keywords

Low Back Pain -- therapy; Radiculopathy -- therapy; Case Reports

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to describe a case in which extension-based exercises derived from the method of mechanical diagnosis and treatment (MDT) in correlation with manual therapy and strengthening were applied to a patient with acute low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy.

Case Description: I present the case of a female patient who worked as a certified nursing assistant and injured her back while attempting to transfer a patient. Workmen's compensation was filed and the patient was referred to physical therapy. Through an extensive historical intake and examination procedure, we determined that the patient signs and symptoms were consistent with lower lumbar disc derangement and radicuIopathy.

Intervention: A physical therapy plan of care with a primary focus on extension-based exercises were implemented along with manual therapy lumbar mobilization techniques and strengthening exercises.

Outcomes: Within 9 treatment sessions the patient's pain decreased and her symptoms localized. She was able to return to work without restrictions.

Discussion: This case highlights a course of treatment consisting primarily of extension-based exercises derived from the method of MDT for acute low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy. Low back pain continues to be prevalent in society.

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