European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CHRONIC SCIATICA AMONG OCTOGENARIAN NOT TO TREAT OR TO TREAT WITH EXERCISES? AN EVIDENCE BASED CROSS OVER STUDY

*Dr. S. S. Subramanian

ABSTRACT

Lowback pain among geriatric population, remains a common clinical condition influenced by variety of reasons. Prompt intervention with physical exercises promote quality of life among them. Aims & Objective of this case presentation was to emphasise on early physical intervention of sciatica and analyse impact of physiotherapy in chronic sciatica. Materials & Methodology: An 84 year old male with lowback pain with right sciatica was treated only with medicine, Lumbosacral belt, IFT for 3 years January 2013 – December 2015 (Phase I). With detotriation of balance, motor deficit, frequent falls, he was referred to physiotherapy. With weekly thrice physiotherapy from January 2016 to January 2019 (Phase II). His condition was evaluated and analyzed statistically. Results on Oswestry score have shown P <.05 along with positive clinical prognosis, subjective improvement in terms of his daily needs were recorded. With phase II, where as Phase I with insignificant outcome Conclusion: an early intervention with physical exercises among geriatric musculoskeletal complaints results can be good with an improved QOL.

Keywords: Sciatica, Quality of Life, Oswestry Score, Geriatrics.