The Resolution of Grade I Lumbar Retrolisthesis with Prolotherapy: A Case Study

Abstract

Prolotherapy is indispensable when considering biomechanical correction in the treatment of pain associated with ligament laxity. This 51 year old male was referred for assessment and treatment of a 15 year history of chronic low back pain. He had been very active his whole life and had sustained numerous injuries playing a variety of sports including hockey and football. He had been spending approximately $5,000 per year on massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, chiropractic care and standard physiotherapy. He was also put on a variety of medications including courses of anti-inflammatory medications, tricyclic antidepressants for analgesia, and benzodiazepines with no relief.

Physical examination identified laxity in his lower lumbar spine at levels L3, L4, and L5 as well as right sacrum. Concurrent examination by a manual orthopedic physical therapist (national examiner) demonstrated a !exion hypermobility at L5-S1, hypomobility at L4-5, hypermobility at L2-3, and right sacroiliac joint dysfunction. X-ray from August of 2006 showed a grade 1 retrolisthesis of L4 to the L5 with suggestion of spondylolysis at L5 and facet arthropathy at
L4-5 and L5-S1. Follow up images from July 2009, demonstrated no retrolisthesis, corresponding with relief of the patient’s back pain.
After correction of the autonomic nervous system component of his pain with a German technique known as Neural Therapy (five sessions), and Prolotherapy (five sessions), with concomitant care by an experience physical therapist, his low back pain has been eliminated! He is active at both at work and play, and is on all
medications.

This case emphasizes the importance of combined treatment modalities, Prolotherapy being paramount, to elimination of even long standing pain.

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