Efficiency of physical therapy and osteopathic techniques in the treatment of operated and recurrent lumbar disc herniation - A case report

Abstract

Disc herniation is defined as focal or localized displacement of disc material beyond the margins of the intervertebral space. The incidence of disc herniation has been constantly increasing, with the disease affecting between 60 and 90% of the population aged between 30 and 50 years. The research objective was to achieve, apply and highlight the efficiency of a therapeutic program, based on osteopathic and physical therapy techniques, in the treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent lumbar disc herniation. For evaluation, we used: the MRI, the Lasegue test and the “The Oswestry Disability Index” questionnaire. The intervention involved the application of two sessions of osteopathic and physical therapy treatment weekly, for a period of 4 months. The results obtained at the final examination show a decrease in the size of the disc herniation, an improvement of the symptoms and an improvement in the daily functional activities. The analysis and interpretation of the obtained results underline that the application of a rehabilitation programme consisting of osteopathic and physical therapy techniques, can be effective in the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.