A Movement system impairment approach to evaluation and treatment of a person with lumbar radiculopathy: A case report.
OBJECTIVE
There are several systems of classification and treatment of patients with low back pain (LBP) based on assessment of the effect of lumbar postures and movements on symptoms. The efficacy of one of these systems, The Movement System Impairment (MSI) method, has not yet been demonstrated in the literature. The purpose of this case report is to describe the approach of the MSI method for an individual with lumbar radiculopathy.


METHODS
A 79-year-old woman with a history of chronic LBP was referred to PT with a physician's diagnosis of sciatica. The patient was classified utilizing a standardized MSI evaluation. She was instructed to modify her daily postures and movements, as well as perform specific exercises to address these impairments.


RESULTS
Her Oswestry LBP disability score improved by over 30% and pain level per the NPRS improved by 3 out of 10 points.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the challenges of advanced joint degeneration and neurological involvement, this approach of identifying and addressing specific movement impairments appeared helpful for this older individual.
a Austin Physical Therapy , Roscoe , NY , USA.
Eileen
E
Miller
b School of Medicine- Physical Therapy, Washington University , St Louis , MO , USA.
Shirley A
SA
Sahrmann
c Physical Therapy Education, College of Health Professions SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , NY , USA.
Dale
D
Avers
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009043:Motor Activity; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012585:Sciatica / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Lumbar radiculopathy; low back pain; movement system impairment; sciatica