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.
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.
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%.
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.