A Follow-up Comparison of Sensory Discrimination in Patients With Low Back Pain

A Follow-up Comparison of Sensory Discrimination in Patients With Low Back Pain: a Randomized Control Trial

To determine if there is any carry over difference with sensation training to the low back for patients with low back pain with the addition of a training at home. This will be looked at to see if there is a difference in pain or back / leg movement right after the training and in a few days after doing some exercises at home.

In a previous case series patients with chronic Low Back Pain (LBP) who received tactile acuity training to their lower back in the absence of movement, experienced immediate positive changes in pain ratings and spinal movements. These changes, however, where only measured immediate post-intervention. This study aims to use a similar design of sensory discrimination for LBP, but will include a sensory discrimination home exercise program and compare groups at a follow-up visit for any difference between groups (48-96 hours) of the immediate changes. Changes will be assessed for pain and back and leg movement.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adults over the age of 18
• patients presenting at PT with a primary complaint of LBP
• LBP being present for 3 months or more
• fluent in English
• willing to participate in the study
• They also will need someone who can assist with a sensory discrimination HEP.

Exclusion Criteria:

• under age 18
• not able to read/understand the English language
• prisoners
• no medical issues precluding physical therapy treatment (red flags)
• if they had undergone spinal surgery
• if they had any skin or medical condition preventing them from receiving tactile stimuli on the lower back or had specific movement-based precautions, i.e., no active spinal flexion. - Patients presenting with leg pain only
• Patients with neurological deficit only in the lower extremity