Z Arztl Fortbild (Jena). 1997 Jan; 90(8): 699-710.

[Physical therapy of backache]

Lange A.

Abteilung für Physiotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technischen Universität Dresden.

The intervertebral disk, the small vertebral joint, the musculature, and ligamentous apparatus may become the origin of back pain, and, the clinical examination aims for the exact palpation complemented by the functional probe of posture and free mobility. The physiotherapeutic action is orientated according to the main symptom: For acute lumbago, mobilization supported by analgesic measures as soon as possible after the acute painful stage has eased. The blockade of vertebral joints necessitates manual therapy, warmth and/or electrotherapy need to be added for cramped muscles. Infiltration is applied for ligamentous pain, active posture exercises are needed for muscular weakness. If the therapeutic options are limited in the elderly patient, passive measures like segmental massage for muscle relaxation are legitimate.