L4 L5 Intervertebral Disk Protrusion Case Study

The abundance of cases that involve low back pain reminds one of a plague spread throughout the world. The lumbar spine is considered the most supportive part of the spine with weight bearing features; however, neglecting the initial symptoms of low back pain can lead to irreversible changes and further serious damage to the spine structures and peripheral nervous system. Low back problems are “the most common cause of job related disability” since “about 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lifetimes” (NINDS facts sheet). Chronic low back pain may require surgical intervention with the goal to alleviating pain and decompressing the nerve structures. The following case describes the particular patient’s diagnosis and related issues during the rehabilitation process on practice and demonstrates the specific theory suggestions on rehabilitation after spinal surgery.
The diagnosis of a L4-L5 intervertebral disk protrusion required a discectomy and laminectomy of this particular segment with following L4-L5 vertebrae arthrodesis (fusion). Spinal fusion surgery is indicated for stabilization of particular spinal segments. This instability was caused by the discectomy, the procedure that was required to minimize the pressure on the nerves adjacent to disc protrusion site (NIAMS). The patient began the physical therapy rehabilitation status post two days from posterolateral lumbar