Chiropractic Versus Physiotherapy: A Case Study

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability and work absence globally, affecting not just the individual, but also extending to families, communities and society at large. Whilst the prevalence of LBP is high, with over 70 percent of people experiencing some LBP at some point during their lives, most will resolve within a few months (Campbell et al, 2013). Problems arise when pain persists beyond the expected period of healing or when it exceeds 12 weeks in duration. An estimated 40 percent of people who present with acute LBP continue to report symptoms after 3 months and

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition worldwide; approximately 50-80% of adults suffer from LBP at least once during their lives [1, 2]. LBP represents a major health problem because of its prevalence, high probability of recurrence, consequences, and healthcare cost [3-6]. LBP has physical, psychological, and economic impacts on individuals. Furthermore, LBP is still the primary cause of absenteeism and disability in every industrialized society [226].

Method: Eleven subjects ranging in age from 18 - 65 were selected based on diagnosis of leg and low back pain. Those who participated in this study reported pain no longer than six months and no less than one month. These patients were screened using a standardized lumbar spine evaluation. Patients AROM, flexibility, medical history, strength, gait, neurology, and soft tissue were also evaluated and measured prior to testing. The test was designed using an A-B-A design where A is the baseline condition and B was intervention with the use of the PBWS. The

Summertime is ALL about being active. Water sports, biking, camping and hiking are activities that make us feel like kids again. But what happens when we can no longer enjoy these activities because we are in so much pain? Do we give up?

Low back pain is a highly prevalent socioeconomic health issue in the world we live in today and one of the top causes of disability - affecting work performance and the overall quality of life for many. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease Study estimated that out of 289 health conditions, low back pain ranked number one in terms of disability (YLDs - Years Lived with Disability), and sixth in terms of overall burden (DALYs - Disability-Adjusted Life Years) (Lancet, 2012). It is estimated that 60% to 70% of the industrialized population will experience non-specific (most common type) low back pain in their lifetimes with a one-year prevalence of 15% to 45%, adults occurring 5% per year (Taimela, Kujala, Salminen, Viljanen, 1997, 1132-1136). Children and adolescents have a lower prevalence rate than adults, but is rapidly on the rise (Balague, Troussier, Salminen, 1999, 429-438).

Chronic lower back pain is on the rise in not only America, but is on the rise in the world. According to a study by the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases in 2010, approximately one in ten people suffer from lower back pain, which makes lower back pain the leading cause of disability in the world (http://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2014/02/14/annrheumdis-2013-204428). This rate is on the rise and should be extremely alarming as common activities, including working a desk job, can contribute to chronic lower back pain. While there are many different methods to treat chronic lower back pain, including physical therapy, therapeutic

Chronic low back pain has been shown to have a significant impact on individuals, their families, professional life, and communities. It is one of the most common health problems causing suffering and disability, and it is a leading cause of physical inactivity. In addition to the physical impairments and professional detriments, chronic low back pain increases the financial burden to the healthcare system by augmenting medical treatment costs. Muscle strengthening activity, on the other side, has been used clinically to treat low back pain. However, there is an inconclusive data regarding the preventative effect of muscle strengthening activity on low back pain. Thus, we wanted to see if being engaged in muscle strengthening activity reduces

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the United States and around the world. Back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some point during their lives.1 One quarter of the US adult population describes having low back pain at least one day over a three month period; 7.6% of the population reported severe acute low back pain in a one year period. 2 In a survey conducted by the National Institute of Health Statistics, 28.4% population reported low back pain as the leading source of pain. 3

Chiropractic therapy is intended to identify and correct neuromusculoskeletal functioning. This healing treatment includes several hands-on manipulations and muscle mobilization movements known as chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic care is done to address mobility and nerve damage involving the spine and muscles. There are more than 55 chiropractic adjustments that come under at least 20 different types of chiropractic technique. The practitioners use a particular technique depending on the level of pain and injury.

Beads of sweat slip silently off my skin. I feel my heart steadily thumping, a soft hum, and my stomach clenched in unforgiving knots. Every muscle, tendon and ligament quivers in the stillness of anticipation. Finally, the thundering base of the gunshot sounds, and my body bursts off the starting line. Long strides cut through the air, bouncing off the balls of my feet. My arms pump to keep pace, adrenaline rushing throughout the race.

Low back pain is multidimensional, involving structural, mechanical, psychological and social influences that ultimately results in a complex presentations. There are several clinical practice guidelines for LBP evaluation and management to include the Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders (1987), the U.S.

To be honest with you, I never really thought that chiropractors did much except pop your back and send you on your way. My thoughts on this changed dramatically when I met Dr. Chad Schnarr of Schnarr Chiropractic and Total Body Wellness in Tullahoma, Tennessee. I’ve been working for Dr. Chad for a year now and I have learned so much about his profession and how what he does on a daily basis is much more than just “popping your back.” For starters, with new patients like the one we have here in the photo, Dr. Chad begins his evaluation by developing x-rays to get an updated image of the patient’s problematic area. He then reads the scans and pinpoints what area of the body he will focus on. Even when treating previous patients, it’s important to get new scans and information regarding the patient’s situation instead of using old films and notes. This makes his treatment more direct to what the patient needs now as conditions in the spine change often.

Low back pain is globally one of the most prevalent health conditions and the second most common cause of referring to health professionals (Dehghan & Farahbod, 2014). The lifetime incidence of having an episode of lower back pain ranges from sixty to ninety percent, with thirty percent of this population developing a chronic lower back pain condition (Ladeira, Samuel Cheng, & Hill, 2015). The costs of treating low back pain are extremely high worldwide and are increasing rapidly, costing the Australian economy $1 billion AUD per year (Walker, Muller, & Grant, 2003). Thus, given the prevalence and socioeconomic consequences of low back pain it is imperative that the most efficient, effective

Dr. Lichtenberg recommended a treatment program including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy. Mr. Rascon was prescriptions for Tramadol and Diazepam. He further indicated Mr. Rascon was no able to work at that time. Mr. Rascon was instructed to return for reevaluation in one week.

Holistic living, essentially, is treating the body as a whole while attempting to make it one with the environment. Understanding and respecting that all things are interconnected is at the heart of a holistic lifestyle.