Treatment of a case of subacute lumbar compartment syndrome using the Graston technique.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss subacute lumbar compartment syndrome and its treatment using a soft tissue mobilization technique.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.
Hammer
Warren I
WI
Cleveland Chiropractic College, National University of Health Sciences, USA. softissu@optonline.net
Pfefer
Mark T
MT
D000208:Acute Disease; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D026882:Manipulation, Chiropractic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013131:Spine / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome