Johnny (50 years old)

Johnny is a 50-year-old bookkeeper. Two months ago, he presented to your practice with low back pain radiating to the left leg. The examination showed muscular strain and a positive Lasègue’s sign in the left leg, for which you prescribed painkillers (ibuprofen 600 mg every 8 hours) and a muscle relaxant (diazepam 5 mg in the evening).

On your advice, he also underwent physiotherapy, without experiencing any improvement. Due to the back pain, he cannot exercise.

Despite diligent adherence to the prescribed treatment, Johnny struggles with the pain and sees no change in his condition. He returns to your practice seeking for help.