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.