Physiotherapeutic management of a patient with spinal Schwannoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors are generally considered as red flags to manual therapy. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical course of a patient diagnosed with spinal Schwannoma at L2-L3 level, who was referred to physiotherapy (PT) for the treatment of low back pain radiating to the left lower limb. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year old man previously diagnosed with L2-L3 Schwannoma was referred for physiotherapy for the treatment of radiating pain. The patient had not responded favorably to symptomatic management. As the patient's history and physical examination were consistent with a mechanical dysfunction, it was decided to manage the patient along similar lines. The patient was treated with McKenzie extension and central postero-anterior mobilization over T4-T6 vertebrae. This intervention was followed up with strengthening and aerobic exercises. RESULTS: The outcomes were measured by the numerical rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Global rate of Change (GRC) scale. The patient responded well to McKenzie extension exercises and Thoracic mobilization. The NRS (7 at rest; 10 on activity) at the time of referral reduced to (2 on activity) at the time of discharge. The outcomes were maintained after 7 months. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that there is a need to undertake a detailed musculoskeletal examination and mobilization may be safely performed in patients diagnosed with spinal schwannomas. An individualized tailored approach may be beneficial in these patients.

The immediate and 24-hour follow-up effect of unilateral lumbar Z-joint mobilisation on posterior chain neurodynamics.

Few studies have reported the effects of lumbar spine mobilization on neurodynamics. In a recent study, Szlezak et al. (2011) reported immediate improvement of posterior chain neurodynamics [range of passive straight leg raise (SLR)] following ipsilateral lumbar spine zygopophyseal (Z) joint mobilization. We re-duplicated the study with a 24 h follow-up measurement. Sixty healthy college students were assigned to two groups, mobilization and control. The mobilization group received ipsilateral grade 3 Maitland mobilizations to Z joint at a frequency of 2 MHz for 3 min and the control group received no treatment. The SLR was measured before and after the intervention for both the groups on the day of testing and 24-h later. Repeated measures ANOVA showed statistically significant pre to post improvement in SLR range after mobilization. The improvement was retained at 24-h. The results of the study are consistent with Szlezak et al. (2011).