Chiropractic Management in Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis: A Case Series
Lucian Henry, DC Bio
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ February 28, 2013 ~ Pages 12-17
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this report is to describe the chiropractic management of patients
with spinal pain complicated by diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis.
Methods: Four patients with neck and / or back pain were examined and radiographs revealed
DISH. The patients were diagnosed with vertebral subluxation, complicated by DISH at the
cervical spine. All patients were treated with chiropractic manipulation using Diversified and / or
Gonstead technique. Group Pre VAS scores were compared to group Post VAS scores using
the paired t test. A statistically significant difference was considered to be present if the
two-tailed p-value was < an alpha of 0.05.
Results: Follow-up VAS scores (mean = 0.875, standard deviation +/- 1.8)
were significantly less (statistically speaking) compared to the initial VAS scores (mean = 8.5,
standard deviation +/- 1.1) (p = 0.0051).
Conclusion: There is ample literature on the benefits of chiropractic care for neck and back pain
but there is little literature on chiropractic care for patients with DISH. Chiropractic is likely
beneficial for patients with DISH and further investigation is warranted.
Keywords: Chiropractic, adjustment, manipulation, Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis,
DISH, subluxation
