How Multi-Layered Approaches to Patient Care Can Be Effective: A Case Study

Let’s look at a patient case study to examine the way hybrid healthcare can work towards providing the best possible care for patients.

Low Back Pain Case Study

John is a patient who complains of low back pain. He has had a history of back pain, but his present pain was made worse by a vehicular accident a month ago in which the car he was a passenger in was rear-ended. He works in marketing and sits at his desk on a computer for several hours on end. By the end of the day he says he experiences radiating pain down his legs. He presents with a pelvic rotation, poor posture and lack of core control.

1. Chiropractic Care: In this case, the Chiropractor would address the patient’s pelvic rotation with a manual adjustment. This manipulation would help move the pelvis back into its correct articulation. Additionally, the patient may be placed on a traction table to help alleviate some of the pressure and subsequently pain on the lower back disks.

2. Physical Therapy: The physical therapist would address the pelvic rotation also with mobilizations and manual therapy. Additionally, therapeutic exercise will be used to strengthen the core to add support to the low back. Pain relieving modalities will also be used such as: ultrasound, low-level laser therapy and TENS units.

3. Acupuncture: This non-traditional therapy is gaining popularity in treating back and neck pain. In a study posted in the Clinical Journal of Pain, Acupuncture was found to be effective in reducing pain and the reduction was effective for up to 6 months. Needles are placed at specific points along the body and stimulated with electrical stimulation for short periods of time. Participants reported reduced back pain and increased relaxation.

4. Massage: This adjunct therapy will be used to address specific issues or injuries, in this case radiating sciatic pain. Trigger point release and deep tissue massage will be used to help release the sciatic nerve and inhibit the experience of radiating pain.

5. Pilates: Another great adjunct therapy, Pilates will address the lack of core strength using mat exercises as well as modified work on the Reformer and Cadillac machines. Core strengthening is an essential component in this case study to help lower the risk of reoccurring back pain.

Healthcare and patients choices with how to approach their health needs are evolving. Using a multi-layered approach is a wonderful way to offer patient’s cutting edge care that addresses their unique set of needs.