Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Management of Adjacent Segment Pathology

Adjacent segment pathology is an adverse effect of spinal fusion that precipitates accelerated spinal degenerative changes at vertebral segments contiguous with the fused vertebrae. The accelerated degeneration related to ASP can be challenging to manage, as it can lead to conditions such as radiculopathy and can create the need for reoperation. In the present case, a 50-year-old woman with a previous spinal fusion presented with a 1-year history of progressive low back pain, lumbar radiculopathy, and sciatica. Osteopathic manipulative treatment was used to manage her pain, and the patient reported that the treatment provided long-term resolution of her sciatica symptoms. This case demonstrates an effective use of osteopathic manipulative treatment in the conservative management of lumbar radiculopathy related to adjacent segment pathology.