Chiropractic Helps Patient with Chronic Lower Back Pain and Scoliosis

On September 1, 2024, the research site Cureus published the results of a case study documenting the improvement through chiropractic of a patient with scoliosis who was suffering with chronic lower back pain. MedLine Plus describes chronic lower back pain by stating, "Low back pain refers to pain that you feel in your lower back. You may also have back stiffness, decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight. Low back pain that is long-term is called chronic low back pain."

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes scoliosis by saying, "Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Everyone has normal curves in the spine, and when looked at from behind, the spine appears straight. However, children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve of the spine."

In this case, a 34-year-old man was suffering with chronic pain in two areas, his neck and lower back. The man attributed his pain to very hard labor from his employment of being a heavy equipment manufacturer in the mining industry. In addition to his employment, the man had also played competitive rugby for 12 years and was involved in martial arts for the past 4 years.

Four days prior to seeking chiropractic care, the man had a neck injury while being engaged in marital arts. The man was experiencing neck pain that radiated from his neck into his right hand, along with tingling and a minimal loss of his right-hand function. The pain was so severe it affected his sleep and could compromise his safety at work.

In addition to his recent injury, the man also suffered with long term lower back pain that radiated into his right knee. He also reported a loss of sensation in his feet which he noted were cold much of the time. He also suffered with regular nose bleeding and had problems with frequent urination.

A chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays were performed. The x-rays revealed a moderate lower back scoliosis. Based upon the finding of the exam and x-rays, a plan of specific forms of chiropractic were started. The man was initially seen three times per week for his chiropractic care. After ten weeks of care, the patient was re-evaluated to determine the progress of his condition and his spine.

At his re-evaluation, the man reported significant improvement in his lower back and neck pain of between 85 and 90%. He also reported that he was no longer having a loss of sensation in his feet, as well as no longer experiencing cold feet. Additionally, his nose bleeding and frequent urination had resolved. Additionally, on follow-up x-rays, it was demonstrated that the man had a 30% improvement in his scoliosis.