When this patient came to us with a frustrating lower back strain, she wasn’t just looking for a quick fix—she needed a solution that would keep her working safely without worsening the injury. The strain had happened suddenly while she was trying to break up a frozen block of food, resulting in sharp lower back pain that worsened over the next two days. After taking some ibuprofen for the discomfort, she also developed GI upset, adding another layer of concern to her situation.
During her evaluation, we found her range of motion was limited, especially when bending backward. Straight leg raises showed no nerve involvement, which was a positive sign, but we noted clear tenderness on the right side of her lower back, specifically in the paraspinous musculature. While trunk rotation remained normal, flexion and extension still caused her pain.
We quickly put a plan in place to get her on the path to recovery. A warm King patch provided localized relief, and we advised her to stop taking ibuprofen to avoid further GI issues. Instead, we recommended a gentler alternative like Pepcid or Nexium to help manage the discomfort. Beyond immediate treatment, we focused on a sustainable solution: transitioning her to light duty. This adjustment kept her productive in the workplace while minimizing any risk of further aggravating her injury.
Regular follow-ups became a cornerstone of her recovery. By checking in frequently and making slight adjustments to her care as needed, we kept her on track without requiring physical therapy. This approach also kept her injury non-recordable, as she didn’t need additional medical interventions.
Within a few weeks, she was back to her regular role, pain-free and without any limitations. Her recovery is a testament to the effectiveness of customized care and the value of proactive follow-up. By working together and adapting her duties, we helped her stay productive and recover quickly, demonstrating our commitment to keeping employees healthy, supported, and safe on the job.
