Objective
To discuss subacute lumbar compartment syndrome and its treatment using a soft tissue
mobilization technique.
Clinical Features
A patient presented with low back pain related to exercise combined with prolonged
flexion posture. The symptoms were relieved with rest and lumbar extension. The patient
had restrictive lumbar fascia in flexion and rotation and no neurological deficits.
Intervention and Outcome
The restrictive lumbar posterior fascial layers and adjoining restrictive fascia (thoracic,
gluteal, hamstring) were treated with a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
called the Graston technique. Restoration of fascial extensibility and resolution
of the complaint occurred after 6 treatment visits.
Conclusions
The posterior spinal fascial compartments may be responsible for intermittent lower
back pain. Functional clinical tests can be employed to determine whether the involved
fascia is abnormally restrictive. Treatment directed at the restrictive fascia using
this soft tissue technique may result in improved fascial functional testing and reduction
of symptoms.
Key Indexing Terms
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Article info
Publication history
Received in revised form:
November 22,
2004
Received:
October 22,
2003
Footnotes
Sources of support: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
