A middle-aged male patient presented to our clinic with chronic low back pain. The patient reported that when symptoms were most severe, his muscles “squeezed together” tightly, causing the back to seize up and making it difficult to get out of bed.
He described tingling sensations radiating down the legs, involving the back, hips, calves, and hamstrings. Pain level was recorded as 10/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Chief Complaints
- Chronic low back pain characterized by tightness, stiffness, and episodes of sharp pain.
- Pain that radiated into the hips, calves, and hamstrings
- Tingling sensations down the legs.
- Pain intensity reached 10/10 during flare-ups, especially after prolonged sitting or physical exertion.
Frequency: Daily onset 1 year
Medical & Lifestyle History
- Bicycle accident at around 5 years old, resulting in upper back injury.
- Motor vehicle accident in 2019, rear-ended at 45 mph (no seatbelt).
- Lifestyle factors: Prolonged sitting due to work-related activities.
Previous treatments
- Chiropractic care for approximately 4–5 months
- Stretching, yoga, heat pad therapy, massage, and acupuncture
Initial Findings
X-rays and chiropractic examination revealed restricted lumbar spine range of motion:
- Flexion: 50° (normal 60° – restricted)
- Extension: 20° (normal 25° – restricted)
- Lateral Flexion Left: 25° (normal 25° – normal)
- Lateral Flexion Right: 25° (normal 25° – normal)
- Rotation Left: 20° (normal 30° – restricted)
- Rotation Right: 20° (normal 30° – restricted)
Orthopedic findings were consistent with lumbar dysfunction and myofascial tightness.
Customized Care Plan
The patient began care under a structured program focused on corrective spinal rehabilitation, referred to as the 12/8 C/SH Plan, consisting of:
- 12 Chiropractic Adjustments f
- 12 Sessions of Shockwave Therapy
- 2 Re-examinations
- 1 Ergonomic Recommendations
- 3 Home Exercises
- 1 Final X-ray
Progress and Results
Post-treatment testing showed that lumbar spine motion was almost fully restored to normal levels.
- Flexion: Improved from 5o° → 55° (near normal)
- Extension: Remained the same at 20° (normal)
- Lateral Flexion Left: Remained the same at 25° (normal)
- Lateral Flexion Right: Remained the same at 25° (normal)
- Rotation Left: Improved from 20° → 25° (near normal)
- Rotation Right: Improved from 20° → 25° (near normal)
Final Outcome
The patient demonstrates 50% improvement in symptoms with less pain, better flexibility, and improved function. He continues to experience mild stiffness after long sitting durations but tolerates work and gym activity well.
He reports high satisfaction with his progress and excellent compliance with prescribed stretching.