The lingering fatigue after a sudden lower back injury and the difference in shoulder height
symptom
A week ago, I suffered a sudden, severe lower back pain for the first time in decades. I prioritized rest, applied compresses and a corset, and took over-the-counter painkillers, and most of the pain subsided. Although there was still some dullness in my lower back, it didn't interfere with my daily life. However, a colleague told me that my shoulders were at an odd height, and I started to notice it myself when I looked in the mirror. Upon closer inspection, I became aware of it.
Regarding my shoulders, I feel more stiffness and fatigue than pain.
-
Visitors
Male
50's
-
Period
February 2022 - March 2022
-
Visit Frequency per week
1
-
Number of Visits
1
Treatment and progress
There was no difference in symptoms between the left and right sides of the shoulders and lower back, but there was severe tension in the left lower back, particularly in the quadratus lumborum muscle, and the left shoulder was lowered. Upon examination while changing the limb position, it was found that there was a limitation in hip external rotation and the patient was unable to place their left hand on the bed when lying face down.
Acupuncture was performed on points in the hands related to the shoulders and lower back. As a result, the movement of the hip joint improved, and the height of the shoulders became almost even. Furthermore, using acupuncture points on the medial border of the scapula to adjust the center of gravity balance improved the condition even more. Considering the movement of the shoulder joint when lying face down, acupuncture was performed on tense areas in the back, and the pain when lying face down also disappeared.
Acupressure points used
Summary
Instead of focusing on the superficial issues, the treatment focused on the body's tension and limitations in movement, and as a result, all the problems were resolved.
The key point of this case was that we were able to focus particularly on the tension and center of gravity balance of the quadratus lumborum muscle, which is a postural muscle.
Staff in charge
Kazuhiro Suzaki
Acupuncture clinic for the case:Sunosaki Acupuncture and Osteopathy Clinic
