Increase in Function with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is an important treatment option in patients with spine pain.  One of the most common reasons for these types of complaints is an injury while at work.  Over the years, more attention has been placed on an integrated approach to spine care.  These protocols include proper initial diagnosis, spinal manipulation to increase range of motion and progressive rehabilitation to prevent re-occurrence.  A recent study, published in 2009, reviewed 100 worker injury cases that received treatment with this type of approach. 

The authors stated, “The purpose of this study is to report on integrative care for the treatment of injured workers with neck or back pain referred to a doctor of chiropractic from a medical or osteopathic provider” (Aspegren et al., 2009, p. 765).  “Subjectively, individuals with an acute injury reported greater posttreatment improvement (81.5%) compared with subacute (65.2%) and chronic (57.6%) injured workers” (Aspegren et al., 2009, p. 767).

“The study demonstrated positive effects of including chiropractic services in integrative care when treating compensable neck and/or back pain. Patients recorded improvement in functional scores and subjective response involving work-related spinal injuries. Improvement was noted in all 3 time-based phases of patient status (acute, subacute, and chronic)” (Aspegren et al., 2009, p. 770).  

When there are pathological conditions in the spine such as disc herniation, an integrated approach that first focuses on the removal of joint adhesion and restoration of segmental and regional range of motion is critical.  Chiropractic care fits extremely well into this model since it is the profession that has the highest level of training in spinal manipulation and training in spinal rehabilitative techniques. In conclusion, the authors stated, “Workers in all categories showed improved post treatment tolerance for work-related activities and significantly lower post treatment subjective pain scores” (Aspegren et al., 2009, p. 765).

If you suffer from injuries from a car accident a fall or a sports injury, the proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan are imperative. Be evaluated by a chiropractor in Colorado Springs that has the proper training to deal with difficult cases.

Dr. Sean Billings- Premier Alternative Health Center- 473-0399

Reference:

Aspegren, D., Enebo, B. A., Miller, M., White, L., Akuthota, V., Hyde, T. E., &  Cox, J. M. (2009). Functional scores and subjective responses of injured workers with back or neck pain treated with chiropractic care in an integrative program: A retrospective analysis of 100 cases. Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics, 32(9), 765-771.