Biofeedback is an established learning method, whereby a person learns how to control a bodily function through measurement and feedback. In another cutting edge development Lifestyle Therapies physiotherapist John Havill has developed a world class device and system for posture correction using biofeedback.

Called Spineangel, this medical device is the perfect posture trainer for patients suffering from recurrent back pain.

This is important because poor posture and movement are a major driver of recurrent back pain.

Have a look through the information on the link above on how it works, the published research and a number of remarkable case studies.

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History

Catherine is a 39 yr old business consultant who injured her back when emptying the dishwasher in 2008.  She has suffered 3 years of persistent right low back and right leg pain. The intensity of her pain was commonly 7/10 NRS and worsened by bending, sitting, home activities and gardening.

Catherine was able to flex to the knees only, when supporting her trunk weight with her hands. She had impulse pain but no neurological signs. Her range of lumbar extension was 50%. She was acutely tender to palpate over the low lumbar spine. Straight leg raise were bilaterally 80 degrees with no sensitisation.

Chiropractic manipulation and physiotherapy was of no lasting benefit.  She was not considered a surgical candidate by her medical team.

Diagnosis

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Current Subjective History

Maria is a 47 year old, 178 cm tall, primary school teacher. She is fit and healthy, exercising regularly with walking and kayaking.

On Jan 10^th 2012 Maria had an acute flare low back radiating bilaterally  down the posterior of her legs as far as the heals. Maria was unable to sit and struggled to do the normal activities of daily living with pain levels at 7/10 NRS. Maria admitted to some ongoing low back pain issues over the 2 years, but this tended to be local and settled without needing any medical intervention.

Objective Examination

Maria had grossly restricted lumbar flexion, was acutely tender to palpate the low lumbar spine and had bilateral restriction of SLR to 60 degrees, which was positive to dorsiflexion sensitisation. Reflexes and muscle strength were normal.

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