Tough life, family man, and enjoys extreme sports.
Presents in this office with a disc herniation that radiates pain into his unilateral buttocks and down his leg. A positive herniation will often refer pain down the legs known as radiculopathy. If left untreated can lead to pins and needles then numbness, later developing weakness into leg muscles, known as myopathy. Patient was examined and decreased unilateral tendon reflex, all sensations to touch and pain were within normal limits. Muscle Strength intact. We caught this early. He has only been suffering since January 2009.
Recommended Treatment plan consists of 20 visits (re-exams along the way)
Lengthening Chronically tight hamstrings
Chiropractic manipulation as needed
Heat to tight muscles
Ice to Sore painful areas post treatment
Graston Myofascial Release Protocol to triggerpoints and muscle knots
Activator to Trigger points
Active Release to Tight Chronically tight muscles
Non-surgical Spinal Decompression using my Triton DTS therapy equipment.
Arthrosoothe and Omega 3 Supplements for pain and Nutrition to joints and bones, aids in healing of the discs.
Cycle 5 minutes – working up to 15 minutes and walking everday as tolerated
Aquamassage 12 minutes with ICE for post treatment soreness.
Patient is 40% better after 6 visits – recommended visit freq 2-3x per week, for 20 treatments.
Update: Patient has completed 15 sessions and the pain has centralized to the left buttocks. The pain remains at abou 4/10. He states there is no longer any pain into the toes and leg. I have reached new levels of decompression with this patient. 150/70 lbs of pull 15 secs on 15 secs rest. Patient tolerated treatment and remains flexible and is stretching every night in bed. He is doing push-up back extension exercises. He is doing ball exercises as well. Progress is a bit slower than expected. In light of his career as a firefighter and paramedic-this patient, has assumingly injured and re-injured his back many times and this was the straw the broke the camel’s back. X-rays are recommended and we will set up appointment for those in the next week.
Discussion: Good News – symptoms are starting to centralize! Patient has an endurance employment test coming up at the end of the month. Test consists of 45 lbs ruck and 10 mile forced march. Patient is mentally capable, strong, but not sure the stamina nor endurance is at the level we need. Great News! Passed with flying colors, and was selected for call back. It may be some time before he finds out. It is so great to know that my treatment plan may have impacted his financial status and employment – in a positive manner.
Over all, pleased with results – most of this is coming from the Graston, Stretching and Spinal Decompression for the Sciatica, not chiropractic.
Check back to find out the final results.
