Archive for category Case Studies

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the resolution of the neck and shoulder pain and associated neuropathy and the improvements in spinal range of motion (ROM) and quality of life (QoL) in a 75-year-old female receiving chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation.

Clinical Features:

A 75-year-old female presented with a history of neck and shoulder pain lasting more than 20 years. She had insomnia, intermittent low back pain and was taking codeine on a regular basis. Postural alterations and reduction in cervical spine ROM were found in conjunction with vertebral subluxation throughout the spine. She had moderate degenerative changes present on x-ray.

Interventions & Outcomes:

Chiropractic care using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique was provided for vertebral and extremity subluxations. The patient demonstrated subjective physical improvements in mobility, an improvement from 5/10 to 8/10 in perceived physical health and improved self-rated QoL, and objective improvement in posture and in measured cervical spine ROM ranging from 10% to 43.7%.

Conclusion:

Chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation was associated with resolution of the patient’s presenting musculoskeletal complaints and resultant improvement in the quality of life. More research is needed to investigate the role chiropractors may play in helping older adults with maintaining an active lifestyle.


Author information: Nick Ujdur, DipAppSc, DC & David G Russell BSc (Psych), DC, Cert TT

 

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Abstract

Objective:

To describe the resolution of low-grade sensory polyneuropathy and the improvements in spinal function in a 63-year-old male receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) to correct vertebral subluxation.

Clinical features:

A 63-year-old male with a 4-year history of bilateral lower limb sensory polyneuropathy, previously diagnosed by nerve conduction testing. Postural alterations, moderate reduction in cervical and lumbar range of motion (ROM), and positive sensory changes were found in conjunction with vertebral subluxation throughout the spine and moderate lumbar degenerative changes present on x-ray.

Results:

Chiropractic care using AMCT was provided for the correction of vertebral and extremity subluxations. The patient demonstrated subjective improvements in sensation in the lower limb, and objective improvement in posture, in measured spinal ROM, neurological assessment and a reduction in vertebral subluxation.

Conclusion:

A course of chiropractic care using AMCT was associated with resolution of lower limb sensory polyneuropathy, improvement in objective posture, spinal ROM and neurological assessment with reduction in vertebral subluxation. More research is needed to investigate the role chiropractors may play in helping similar patients so as to inform clinical practice and future higher-level research designs


Chiropr J Australia 2017;45:217-228
Author information: David Russell, BSc (Psych), BSc (Chiro), Cert TT

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Abstract

Objective:

To describe the outcome of chiropractic care of a 64-year-old patient with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Stenosing Tenosynovitis in bilateral thumbs, and paresthesia in left hand, using Activator Methods technique.

Clinical Features:

Patient presented with neck, back, right knee, right foot, right elbow, and right and left thumb pain. She presented with a walker to ambulate and needed assistance to get up and down. She presented with a positive Finkelstein’s, Allen’s, Lateral Collateral Ligament test, Romberg’s test, Milgram’s test, and hypoesthesia on the left hand. She was diagnosed with Polymyalgia Rheumatica.

Intervention & Outcomes:

Along with co-management from her Rheumatologist and General Practitioner, the patient was adjusted twice per week using Activator technique for the first four months of care, before incorporating Functional Rehabilitation treatments twice per week in addition. After six months of care, the patient was able to ambulate by herself without the use of a walker, and perform activities of daily living (ADLs), along with her extended activities of daily living.

Conclusion:

With the use of functional rehabilitation and Activator Methods technique, the patient’s condition was improved in order for patient to gain independence and ambulation.


A. of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 24, 2017 ~ Pages 72-80

Author information: Carolyn DeSimone, DC, Private Practice of Chiropractic, Florence, SC.

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Abstract Objective: To describe the impact of therapeutic nihilism on the elderly population, and the improvements in spinal range of motion (ROM) and mobility in a 75-year-old male receiving chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation. Clinical Features: A 75-year-old male presented with a 20-year history of low back and neck pain more recently managed with […]

Abstract

Objective:

To describe the impact of therapeutic nihilism on the elderly population, and the improvements in spinal range of motion (ROM) and mobility in a 75-year-old male receiving chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation.

Clinical Features:

A 75-year-old male presented with a 20-year history of low back and neck pain more recently managed with over-the-counter medication. Postural alterations and significant reduction in regional spinal ROM were found in conjunction with vertebral subluxation throughout the spine.

Intervention & Outcomes:

Chiropractic care using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique was provided for the correction of vertebral and extremity subluxations. The patient demonstrated subjective physical improvements in mobility, an improvement from 4/10 to 8/10 in perceived physical health and objective increases in measured regional spinal ROM ranging from 7.1% to 81.8%. Reduction in dysponesis and dysautonomia were also noted through sEMG and thermal scanning.

Conclusion:

Chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation was associated with improvements in the patient’s presenting musculoskeletal complaints and resultant quality of life. More research is needed to investigate the role chiropractors may play in helping older adults with maintaining an active lifestyle.


A. of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ September 12, 2016 ~ Pages 92-96

Author information: David G Russell BSc (Psych), BSc (Chiro), Cert TT

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ABSTRACT:

Objective:

To describe the presentation, care, and outcomes of an 89-year-old male experiencing medically-diagnosed chronic daily tension-type headaches, episodic migraines and co-existing musculoskeletal neck and arm pain.

Clinical Features:

The patient had long-term, medically-diagnosed chronic daily tension-type headaches, frequent migraines, and chronic right arm and neck pain related to a blast injury suffered during an artillery bombardment in World War 2 and 2 severe motor vehicle accidents experienced during the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Intervention and Outcome:

The patient received chiropractic care utilizing the Torque Release Technique and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique for a 1-year period. After 12 weeks, the patient’s daily headaches, episodic migraines and chronic arm and neck pain had completely resolved.

Conclusion:

An 89-year-old male experiencing chronic headaches, arm and neck pain reported significant symptomatic improvements while receiving Torque Release Technique and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique chiropractic care. Further research is required to better understand the efficacy and effectiveness of these chiropractic techniques when caring for older patients with musculoskeletal conditions.


Chiropr J Australia 2016;44(2):176-186.

Author information: Luscombe SL, McCormick J, Haavik H, Holt K. New Zealand College of Chiropractic.

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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this case series is to report on symptomatic and quality of life (QoL) changes in 7 older adult chiropractic patients who were receiving care using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT).

Clinical Features

Seven patients were selected from 2 chiropractic offices in Auckland, New Zealand. Patients were included if they were older adults receiving AMCT care and for whom at least 2 QoL assessments had been performed. The patients, aged 69-80 years, primarily received care for a variety of musculoskeletal complaints.

Intervention and Outcomes

The patients reported improvements in their presenting complaints as well as a number of nonmusculoskeletal symptoms. Each patient demonstrated clinical improvements in their RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) results. The average improvement in QoL measured using a SF-36 questionnaire was 8.0 points in the physical component and 4.1 points in the mental component. Four cases had a second progress evaluation using the SF-36 and showed an overall improvement of 5.2 in the physical and 9.8 in the mental components from baseline.

Conclusion

This case series describes an improvement in QoL, as measured by the SF-36 instrument, as well as subjectively reported improvements in both musculoskeletal and nonmusculoskeletal symptoms in 7 older adults receiving chiropractic care.


J Chiropr Med. 2016 Mar;15(1):59-66.

Author information: Russell DG, Kimura MN, Cowie HR, de Groot CMM, McMinn, Sherson MW.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report on a female patient who presented for chiropractic care with Morton’s neuroma.

CLINICAL FEATURES:

A 63-year old female who presented with a 10 year history of Morton’s neuroma in her right foot.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

Over a one month period, specific chiropractic care using the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique was provided to the patient for the correction of vertebral subluxation. Over this period, the patient experienced a resolution in presenting symptomatology as well as improvements with digestion, sleep and mobility. Patient subjective change was measured using a subjective outcomes survey. Improvements were noted in the subjective and objective outcome measures over the one month period.

CONCLUSIONS:

Subjective and objective improvements in physical wellbeing were documented in a patient with resolution of Morton’s neuroma following chiropractic care for vertebral subluxation.


Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Res. January 4, 2016, pp. 1-5

Author information: Brian Lanoue, BHSc, Thea Treahy-Geofreda, BHSc, David Russell, BSc (Psych.), BSc (Chiro.); New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Rd, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand.

 

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Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe chiropractic treatment of 14 patients who presented with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Methods

This is a retrospective case series of 14 patients, including 13 adults and 1 child. The majority of these patients were undergoing chiropractic care for spine-related conditions when they presented with additional TMD signs and symptoms. They were evaluated and treated with Activator Methods International published protocols relative to the temporomandibular joint before the addition of treatment to the suprahyoid muscles.

Results

All pre- and postadjustment assessments were recorded using a numeric pain scale. The resulting average showed a reduction in the patients’ pain scores from the initial visit of 8.3 ± 1.6 to the last visit at 1.4 ± 1.1 with an 80.9% ± 15.4% improvement. The average number of visits was 13.6 ± 8.2.

Conclusion

All patients selected for this case series showed a reduction of temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms.


Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2015, Pages 279–284.

Author information: Steven Pavia, DC, Rebecca Fischer, DC, Richard Roy, DC, PhD; private practice of chiropractic.

 

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the chiropractic care of a geriatric patient with complaints of cervicalgia, arm paraesthesia and adhesive capsulitis using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT).

CLINICAL FEATURES:

A 67-year-old male presented to the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Chiropractic Centre with severe cervicalgia, right arm paraesthesia of two years duration, and adhesive capsulitis of his left shoulder of 20 years duration. His cervicalgia was constant and rated 8/10 at its worst on the Numeric Pain Scale, and his left shoulder abduction was restricted to 90°.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

The patient’s vertebral subluxations were addressed using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique. After 4 visits spread over 4 weeks he regained the full range of motion in his left shoulder and the cervicalgia subsided to 1/10 with no right arm paraesthesia.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of this case suggest that chiropractic care using Activator Methods protocol for reduction of vertebral subluxations had a positive effect on cervicalgia and adhesive capsulitis in an elderly patient with a complex clinical history.


A Vertebral Subluxation Res. October 8, 2015, pp 163-166.

Author information: David (June-ki) Ham, BSC, Tae Bum Lim, Graham Dobson, DC.  New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Rd, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the changes in mobility, emotional status, and quality of life in an 82 year old female with bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees who was receiving chiropractic care.

CLINICAL FEATURES:

An 82 year old female presented to a chiropractor with lack of mobility and function due to chronic osteoarthritis of the knees bilaterally, and degenerative disc disease and postural alterations through the lumbar spine. Associated emotional stress was also of concern as a contributor to impaired quality of life.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

Chiropractic care using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique was provided for the correction of vertebral and extremity subluxations. The patient demonstrated physical improvements in mobility and RAND36 assessment revealed an improvement in her Physical Component Summary score of 11.65. Emotional wellbeing improvements were also found by using both RAND36 and PHQ-4 assessments.

CONCLUSION:

Chiropractic care was associated with improvements in the patient’s presenting complaints and quality of life. More research is needed to investigate the role chiropractors may play in helping older adults with conditions associated with aging.


A Vertebral Subluxation Res. September 17, 2015, pp 157-162.

Author information: Dipal Patel DipAppSc, David Russell B.S.c (Psych) B.S.c (Chiro).  New Zealand College of Chiropractic, 6 Harrison Rd, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060, New Zealand.

 

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