Patient Consent
Consent to Treatment and Information Sharing:
Consent given
Subjective Assessment:
Presenting Complaint: Lower back pain, radiating into the left leg.
History of Present Condition: Pain started 2 weeks ago after lifting a heavy box. Aggravating factors include prolonged sitting and bending. Easing factors include rest and lying down.
Pain Scale: 6/10 at worst, 3/10 at best.
Functional Impact: Difficulty with work (sitting at a desk), ADLs (putting on socks), and sports (unable to play football).
Red Flags Screening: No red flags identified.
Past Medical History: No relevant history.
Medications: Ibuprofen 400mg as needed.
Goals of Treatment: To reduce pain to 2/10 within 4 weeks, return to work duties, and be able to walk for 30 minutes without pain.
Objective Assessment:
Observation/Posture: Forward head posture, slight lateral shift to the right.
Active and Passive ROM: Lumbar flexion limited to 60 degrees, pain with left lateral flexion.
Strength Testing: Weakness noted in left hamstring (4/5).
Pain on Palpation: Tenderness over L4/L5 and left paraspinal muscles.
Special Tests: Positive Slump test on the left.
Neurological Screen: Sensation intact, reflexes 2+ bilaterally.
Functional Movement Tests: Pain with single leg stance on the left.
Analysis:
Analysis and Reasoning: Suspect lumbar discogenic pain with radicular symptoms. Possible nerve root irritation.
Plan and Intervention:
Education Provided: Advice on posture, body mechanics, and pain management strategies.
Intervention(s) Commenced: Manual therapy to lumbar spine and soft tissue release to paraspinal muscles. Exercises: nerve glides and core stability exercises. 30 minutes.
Home Exercise Programme: Nerve glides, core stability exercises, and postural correction exercises.
Referral Required: No referral required at this time.
Next Appointment Booked: Yes