The Influence of an Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy and Sensory Training on Somatoperception in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

The Influence of an Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Approach and Sensory Training on Somatoperception in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

Individuals with chronic low back pain and other chronic pain conditions have been shown to have altered somatosensory, the ability to sense input to the tissue, which is processed in the primary somatosensory cortex or S1. Two-point discrimination is currently the best clinical tool utilized to assess an individual's ability to sense touch. This study will assess TPD changes after a course of standard physical therapy care with the addition of sensory training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DEERS eligible
• 18 to 64 years old
• Low back pain > 3 months
• Numeric Pain Rating Scale minimal pain rating of 3/10 in the last seven days
• Must be able to commit to 6-10 treatment sessions over a period of at least 6-we

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of spinal surgery
• History of spinal injections or nerve ablations in the past year
• History of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• History of cerebral vascular accident (CVA)
• Currently pregnant
• Active cancer
• Symptoms below the knee
• Non-MSK condition contributing to low back pain
• Chronic Pain Conditions to include Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
• Autoimmune Diseases (to include Ankylosing Spondylitis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Currently under litigation related to low back pain
• Currently going through Medical Evaluation Board (MEB)
• Retiring or separating from the military within a year
• Currently receiving physical therapy for low back pain