Effect of combination therapy using ultrasound and HVPGS on mechanical back pain: A single case report

Abstract

Background: Mechanical back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition affecting daily functioning and quality of life. Various physiotherapy interventions, including ultrasound and High-Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation (HVPGS), are used to manage symptoms. Objective of the study: This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of combination therapy with ultrasound and HVPGS in the treatment of mechanical back pain. Case: A 40-year-old male patient suffering from chronic mechanical back pain was treated with ultrasound and HVPGS three times a week for two weeks. Pain intensity and disability levels were measured using the Global Pain Scale (GPS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) before and after the intervention. Results: The patient showed a marked reduction in pain (GPS score improvement from 60/100 to 30/100) and functional improvement (ODI score improvement from 42% to 22%). Conclusion: Combination therapy containing ultrasound with HVPGS as an adjunct treatment may prove to be beneficial in the management of mechanical back pain by decreasing pain and improving functional ability. Originality: This case report introduces a novel therapy in the form of combination therapy and adds to existing literature on physiotherapeutic management of mechanical back pain.