Treatment Details

Ben presented to the office with an MRI confirming a stress reaction in the lower lumbar spine L5/S1 pars interarticularis on the right and was symptomatic with pain and weakness around his lower abdominal and hip regions. I performed biomechanical Xrays and muscle testing that demonstrated relative instability in the lower lumbar region, and a lot of mechanical restriction in the TL junction. Muscle testing also demonstrated weakness throughout the glutes, upper hamstrings, hip flexors, and lateral chain muscles. He compensated significantly using global movement/muscle patterns that cause excessive compression through the lumbar spine. He was treated with flexion distraction technique, corrective chiropractic care (aimed towards correcting the biomechanical problems seen on his Xrays), Active Release Techniques (ART), muscle activation to the weak muscles combined with targeted active rehabilitation with our personal trainer in the back of the house. He also had deep dry needling treatment to target deep adhesions and to turn over inflamed tissue deep in the lumbar spine and ensure proper bloodflow to the healing bone. After about 5-6 weeks he was noticing he was nearly pain-free with lifting heavily for his lower body, and in approximately 9 weeks he was symptom free. He continued with care 1-2 times per week after that throughout the next couple of months to round out his treatment plan and have accountability to a home rehabilitation program he was given.