David and His Journey with Low-Back Pain Caused by a Disc Prolapse

David, a 40-year-old IT Consultant in Milton, had experienced a lengthy episode of low-back pain in his mid-thirties, with occasional flare-ups in recent months. Typically, this didn’t interfere with his work or his Sunday football games. However, one Tuesday morning, as David leaned forward to pick something up from his desk, his back suddenly “went.” He described his back as stuck and intensely painful with any movement. Sent home from work, David saw his GP, who prescribed anti-inflammatories.

Initial Consultation

Three days later, David was still in significant discomfort as he slowly limped into the waiting room. Upon standing, his back tilted to one side, and he was unable to bear weight evenly on both legs. We tested the power and reflexes in his legs to check for nerve involvement but found everything intact.

Examination and Findings

• Positioning: David struggled to lie on the treatment table but eventually found a comfortable position.
• Spinal Assessment: We identified the lumbar L4-L5 joint as very tender, with increased movement compared to neighboring joints.
• Physical Observations: The skin over the problematic joint felt puffy, with muscle guarding extending into his right buttock and up to his mid-back.

Despite the acute nature of David’s low-back pain, it was not serious—just a mild strain of his L4-L5 disc. His tilted spine was an exaggerated pain response due to local nerves sensitized from his previous episode.

Treatment and Recovery

We treated David over three sessions to improve his spinal movement and decrease muscle spasms, with an additional session one month later to address remaining recovery blocks.

Advice on Activity

David had stopped playing football, but we assured him that while he might experience the occasional twinge during play, continuing would benefit his back in both the short and long term. Maintaining spinal mobility helps the nerves in the back become accustomed to movement, reducing the likelihood of future episodes.

Understanding Low-Back Pain

Low-back pain is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. Whether caused by a disc prolapse or other factors, personalized treatment plans can help manage pain and restore mobility. If you’re experiencing low-back pain, don’t let it limit your activities. Our team is here to help you manage your condition and regain your active lifestyle.

Take Control of Your Low-Back Pain

If you’re struggling with low-back pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you on your journey to recovery and improved well-being.