Classical ballet adapted for women with disc herniation in the lower back: case report

Abstract

Introduction: A herniated disc in the lower back is the most common diagnosis among degenerative alterations in the lumbar spine. Various forms of treatment for improvement of lumbar disc herniation, such as anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, acupuncture, antidepressants, morphine, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The physical exercise is an effective, inexpensive, and non-pharmacological tool. Although, there are still several barriers to accepting the use of specific physical exercises outside the clinical environment, such as dance and sports. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the contributions of classical ballet adapted to improve the clinical framework of lumbar disc herniation in a beginner student of classical ballet. Method: The case study composed for one script made by the evaluators was applied to an adult woman with 32 years old, who until that point had not practiced classical ballet. The exercises were performed twice a week (two hours for session) for a period of 13 weeks, totaling 26 sessions, giving a total exposure during the intervention of 52 hours. Results: The magnetic image obtained from medical reports after the intervention found that compared to the previous examination the disc herniation at level L4 – L5 was reduced in size. In addition, the visual analog pain scale (EVA) assessment pre intervention was maximum pain and post intervention was no pain. The numeric pain scale rating (NPS) pre intervention was number 9 with pain, and post intervention, number 2 painless. The Faces Pain Scales (FPS) pre intervention had a factor of 6 with pain, and post-intervention factor 2, painless. Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the present script made by the evaluators was sufficient for cause the of herniation reduction in the evaluated patient post intervention.