Low Back Pain and Sciatic for 23 Years Helped by Chiropractic

The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published the results of a case study on December 13, 2021, documenting the improvement of lower back pain and sciatica in a patient who had been suffering for 23 years.

The study begins by pointing out that between 70% and 85% of all people will have back pain at some point. Additionally, each year somewhere between 15% and 45% of the population will have back pain. In those younger than 45 years of age, low back pain is the most common cause of limitation of activity. It is also the second most frequent reason for visits to a doctor, the third most common cause of surgical procedures, and the 5th most common reason for admissions to a hospital.

Lower back pain is a problem that frequently re-occurs. It is estimated that 85% of those that suffer with lower back pain and recover will have it again at some future time. When lower back pain is combined with sciatic pain, the recovery is typically slower.

According to the Mayo Clinic's website. "Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body."

In this case, a woman sought out chiropractic care to see if she could get help for her lower back pain. The pain had occurred six months earlier from weightlifting. She also reported that she had been suffering with sciatic pain of unknown origin for 23 years and she was now having trouble sleeping due to the pain. Her pain was rated as a 7 out of 10 with 10 being the worst.

A chiropractic examination revealed postural abnormalities as well as restricted range of motion in both the woman's neck and lower back. Spinal palpation showed multiple areas of tenderness and spinal misalignments. Thermographic heat studies of the spine and specific spinal x-rays were also performed.

From the examination and x-rays, it was determined that subluxations were present in the woman's spine. With this information, a series of specific chiropractic adjustments were started on a regular schedule. As the care plan progress, it was noted that the patient was improving quicker than expected and therefore the care plan was reduced.

During the first re-examination, it was reported that the woman's pain had reduced from a 7 out of 10 down to a 1 out of 10. She was also able to begin resuming her weightlifting and regular daily activities.

The authors summed up the results of this case by stating in their conclusion, "The patient reported on in this study experienced improvement in her back pain, sciatic and quality of life following chiropractic care."