Tricky Case Study with Back Pain
I wonder if there is anyone out there that would be able to help me. I am currently working through my case studies whilst training for my ITEC Holistic Massage exam this coming March. One case study is a 54 year old gentleman, a heavy smoker of around 40 a day, diabetic Type II, high cholesterol (although recently stopped his statins without the knowledge of his GP to try alternative herbal treatment) has suffered for around 5 months with back pain. He firmly feels it is Sciatic pain. Having had an MRI scan and review of a specialist back pain consultant who has ruled out the possibility of sciatic back pain, however, not giving him any indication of what else the problem could be. Of my understanding massage has a contraindication over the affected area for people suffering with Sciatic back pain, which due to my inexperience and perhaps some confidence issues leaves me feeling unable to continue with him, however, not wanting to leave him in this situation what else would holistic therapy be able to offer him, and if any well experienced massage therapists are able to help I would love to hear from you.
Thanks Jackie
Hi Jackie
You should send him back to his GP. He should not just stop his medication without informing his GP. He also is a diabetic, so he should be under the GP for that also.
I would not be very happy with a gent who is a heavy smoker with back ache - assuming that the pain is not referred. He really needs more diagnostic help from the GP to establish where the back ache is coming from. Back aches can be a problem with an organ.
You are right to refer him to a more experienced practitioner:)
I'm a reflexologist plus healer.
