Chiropractic Care for a Patient With Subluxation & Unsuccessful Surgery of the Lumbar Spine
Patrick D. Layton BS, BC
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ January 10, 2009 ~ Pages 1-5
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this paper is to report on improved function and quality of life in a patient under chiropractic care who previously had unsuccessful surgery of the low back.
Clinical Features: The patient was a 58 year old male who entered the clinic with a primary complaint of low back pain and left lateral leg pain. He suffered an acute injury to the low back upon performing job duties and elected to have surgery on the lumbar spine. Afterwards, the condition has worsened.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient was adjusted using specific osseous motion palpation/Gonstead manual adjustments. Improvements were noted in several areas. VAS improved from 2 to 8, although the Borg pain scale remained relatively constant. SF-36 testing showed a decrease in Physical PCS in the initial stages of treatment and a rise in the latter stages and there was an increase in the Mental MCS. Posture showed significant improvement as did ROM for lumbar flexion in the initial phases of care.
Conclusion: This single case study demonstrates improved function and quality of life in a failed back surgery case. More research is needed in this vital area.
Key Words: Chiropractic, Quality of Life, failed back surgery syndrome, low back surgery, lumbar spine, subluxation.
