CONDITION
Dealing with chronic lower back pain for over a decade constantly that radiates into both legs with weakness
35
Male
20 visits (5 mth)
| CHALLENGES | ROOT CAUSES |
|---|---|
| Sitting | Significant motor weakness to left leg |
| Lifting | Decreased reflexes to right leg |
| Laying on back | Pain with all directions of low back movement |
| Bending forward | Hypolordotic lumbar spine |
| Driving | Moderate to severe atrophy of posterior chain musculature (glutes, hamstrings, erector spine) |
PREVIOUS TREATMENTS
Multiple cortisone shots, 2 radiofrequency nerve ablations, physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, epidurals, acupuncture & massage
GOALS
Be able to play sports with his kid
TREATMENT PHASES
1
Pain Relief & Early Management
- End range loading & spinal mobility
- Nerve flossing
- Stability training in multiple planes of motion for core
- Breathing, bracing and intraabdominal pressure training
- Activity modification
2
Restore Movement & Function
- Retrained squat & hinging patterns
- Thoracic mobility
3
Load, Performance & Strength
- The client desired a Interest Rate SWAP commercial loan program that was comprised of two parts where one of portion of the loan would allow for early payoff as we expected to sell the former law building within 90 days. The added value was to achieve the best rate/pricing in the market.
Treatment Obstacles & Adjustments
- Used a jacket or rolled towel to create a passive lumbar-support to reduce hyperactivity in the low back
- Created a program that fit within his busy schedule as a serial entrepreneur
- Had to switch to a more manageable load amount per week due to the inability to recover as well due to working so much. The results were mildly slowed but it fit within his schedule and life.
- Had about 4 weeks of progressive overload then a full week of deload before starting on the next phases. Homework was even given during that time
Measurable wins
- Pain 8/10 to 2/10
- 1st week pain-free after 14 visits
- Sitting tolerance: 10 min to 60+ min
- Return to activity: “playing catch 3x/week”
- Strength benchmark: hinge pattern reintroduced with 245 pounds!
Outcome
- He has been playing catch and tee ball with his kid without having any issues anymore. They’ve been given a program to continue their care and a list of things they shouldn’t be doing that could perpetuate the symptoms as well as things they should double down on
Low Back (lumbar) Results
Client Feedback
“Dr. Alex’s method literally gave me a new life. I am able to bend at the waist, have fun with my son doing activities running around, even sleeping through the night. I can work a lot more comfortably and even sit longer periods of time with much less pain.”
Dr. Alex Mak, DC, CCSP, CSCS, QME
Your FREE First Visit
60minYour first step is a low-pressure visit to understand your body mechanics, what will resolve it, and explain our approach.
- Quick intake: what’s hurting, what triggers it, training goals
- Movement: mobility, strength, control, and sport-specific patterns
- Clear plan: observations, why it’s happening, best path forward
What You’ll Receive
- A clear clinical direction and root-cause hypothesis
- Recommended next steps, including a plan and projected timeline
- Practical guidance on what to do, and what to avoid, in training right now
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