Chiropractic manipulation for childhood asthma.
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OBJECTIVE: To discuss the case of a patient who received upper cervical chiropractic care after trauma-induced arcual kyphosis in the cervical spine. A practical application of conservative management for posttrauma cervical spine injury in the private office setting is described. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 17-year-old female patient suffered an unstable C3/C4 motor segment after a lateral-impact motor vehicle collision. Additional symptoms on presentation included vertigo, tinnitus, neck and shoulder pain, and confusion. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: Conservative management consisted exclusively of upper cervical-specific adjustments guided by radiographic analysis and paraspinal bilateral skin temperature differential analysis of the cervical spine. During 10 weeks of care and 22 office visits, all symptoms subsided and the instability of C3/C4 motor segment appeared to be completely resolved. CONCLUSION: This study provides support for the use of upper cervical chiropractic management in cervical spine trauma cases. The clinical work-up consisted of physical examination, radiographic analysis, computer-administered and scored cognitive function testing, and audiometric examination. After conservative care, these examinations were repeated and demonstrated that the objective findings concurred with the subjective improvements reported by the patient.
INTRODUCTION: Many devices have been marketed claiming to increase the mobility of the articulations of the spine with active or passive distraction. In this study, the Rola Stretcher (Unique Relief, Inc, Davenport, Iowa) and an earlier version, the True Back II (True Back, Inc, Clearwater, Fla), were evaluated to see if they have a measurable biomechanic effect on the spine. METHODS: Two studies were conducted, each with 6 male participants and 6 female participants, using a stadiometer to accurately measure a person's sitting height. The increase in sitting height after using the True Back II or Rola Stretcher for 10 minutes was compared with that after lying supine for 10 minutes. A third intervention, a firm foam block cut to the same size and shape as the True Back II, was also used in this study. RESULTS: The Rola Stretcher had a significantly greater lengthening effect on the spine compared with supine rest (P <0050). The True Back II had a similar but lesser effect (P <.0509). Women demonstrated a greater height gain than men. CONCLUSION: The True Back II and the Rola Stretcher in particular appear to lengthen the spine after a single use of 10 minutes. The observed discrepancy between the effects in men and women may be an experimental artifact occurring as a result of less effective resetting of the posturing mechanisms in men compared with women. A trend showed the Rola Stretcher to be more effective than the foam block.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible effect of the supine cervical rotary manipulation and the supine lateral break manipulation in the treatment of mechanical neck pain, according to subjective and objective clinical findings. BACKGROUND: Delivering a supine lateral break manipulation to the ipsilateral side of an inflamed facet joint(s) that exhibits a lateral flexion fixation may result in pain and/or discomfort to the patient. Thus the proposed alternative is a supine cervical rotary manipulation delivered on the ipsilateral side or a supine lateral break manipulation delivered on the contralateral side of the relevant joint(s). DESIGN: Randomized, comparative clinical trial. SUBJECTS: Two groups of 15 subjects diagnosed with mechanical neck pain. INTERVENTION: The diagnosis of mechanical neck pain and the identification of lateral flexion fixations in the cervical spine were made with conventional clinical evaluation, including motion palpation. Group A received a cervical rotary manipulation(s) on the ipsilateral side of the lateral flexion fixation(s), while group B received a supine lateral break manipulation(s) on the contralateral side of the lateral flexion fixation(s). Subjects received a maximum of 10 treatments over a 4-week treatment period. OUTCOME MEASURES: Both treatment groups were assessed with subjective (Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101, McGill Short-Form Pain Questionnaire and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Neck Disability Index) and objective (cervical range of motion goniometer and algometer) measurement parameters at the initial consultation (before any treatment), the final consultation, and at a 1-month follow-up consultation. Statistical analysis was conducted at a 95% confidence level (alpha =.05) with the non-parametric 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed ranks test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and descriptive statistics. Two-tailed power analysis was conducted after the fact, where a confidence level of 80% (beta =.20) was considered satisfactory. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis indicated a significant difference between the initial consultation data and the final consultation data for the subjective data, indicating an effect. Analysis of the objective data did not reveal any significant difference. Intergroup analysis did not reveal any significant difference between the 2 groups when comparing the data of the initial consultation and the final consultation, indicating that both treatments had a similar or equal effect. Power analysis was not satisfactory for most data, indicating the possibility of many Type II errors. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Statistically, the results suggested that both treatments had an effect but that neither group showed a benefit over the other. However, because of the unsatisfactory power of the study, conclusions are to be drawn with caution. Clinical significance supported the statistical outcomes where it was suggested that both treatments had an effect and that neither treatment had a greater effect. A larger sample size and the inclusion of a placebo group is recommended to reveal true treatment outcomes and trends.
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OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that cortical-evoked potentials on magnetic stimulation of muscles are influenced by muscle contraction, vibration, and muscle spasm. This study was carried out to determine whether these potentials correlate with palpatory muscle spasm, patient symptoms, and disability in patients with low back pain. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed on 13 subjects with a history of low back pain visiting an orthopedic hospital-based clinic. Patients were screened for serious pathologic conditions by an orthopedic surgeon. The patients were then evaluated for the presence of muscle spasm by one of the investigators who was blinded to the results of the evoked potential studies. Patients were asked to complete a low back pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and a Roland-Morris Activity Scale (RMAS). Cortical-evoked potentials were recorded with a magnetic stimulator placed over the lumbar paraspinal muscles with the patient in the prone position. The palpatory examination, VAS, RMAS, and the cortical potentials were repeated after 2 weeks of therapy commonly used to reduce muscle spasm. RESULTS: The patients demonstrated a significant decrease in low back pain VAS and RMAS scores after treatment compared with before treatment. There was a reduction in the amount of palpatory muscle spasm in 11 of 13 cases. The cortical potentials before treatment were attenuated compared with previously reported controls and showed a significant increase before and after treatment in the amplitude of these potentials with multivariate analysis of variance. There was significant correlation between the changes in cortical potentials after treatment and the changes noted in paraspinal muscle spasm and VAS and RMAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the previous report that the amplitude of cerebral-evoked potentials on magnetic stimulation of paraspinal muscles is depressed in the presence of palpable muscle spasm. The close correlation among these potentials, paraspinal muscle spasm, and clinical symptoms suggests that the measurement of muscle activity may be more important in the assessment of low back pain than is commonly accepted.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of patient recruitment, the ability of patients and clinicians to comply with study protocols, and the use of data collection instruments to collect cost-effectiveness data, and to obtain variability estimates for sample-size calculations for a full-scale trial. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observer-blinded, pilot randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Primary contact chiropractic and medical clinics. PATIENTS: Ages 20 to 65 years, with low back-related radiating leg pain (sciatica). OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-report questionnaires were administered at baseline and 3 and 12 weeks after randomization. The measures included leg and back pain severity, frequency and bothersomeness of symptoms, leg/back disability, medication use, global improvement, satisfaction, and health care utilization. INTERVENTIONS: Medical care, chiropractic care, and epidural steroid injections. RESULTS: A total of 706 persons were screened by phone to determine initial eligibility. Of these, over 90% of those persons contacted did not meet the entrance criteria. The most common reason for disqualification was that the duration of the complaint was longer than 3 months. Twenty patients were randomized into the study. All 3 groups showed substantial improvements in the main patient-rated outcomes at the end of the 12-week intervention phase. For leg pain, back pain, frequency and bothersomeness of leg symptoms, and Roland-Morris disability score, the percent improvement varied from 50% to 84%, and the corresponding effect sizes ranged from 0.8 to 2.2. Bothersomeness of leg symptoms was the most responsive outcome associated with the largest magnitude of effect size. All within-group changes from baseline were statistically significant (P <.01). No between-group comparisons were planned or performed because of the insufficient sample size and high risk of committing type I and type II errors. CONCLUSIONS: Pilot studies such as these are important for the determination of the feasibility of conducting costly, larger scale trials. Recruitment for a full-scale study of sciatica of 2 to 12 weeks duration is not feasible, given the methods used in this pilot study. Our results do indicate, however, that there are substantial numbers of patients with sciatica more chronic in nature who would be interested in participating in a similar study. In addition, collaboration with a local health maintenance organization would likely facilitate clinician referrals and optimize the recruitment process. Patient and provider compliance was high in the pilot study, which indicates that most study protocols are feasible. Additionally, we were able to collect complete outcomes data, including those regarding health care use. A suggested modification by investigators and outside consultants has resulted in the replacement of the medication group with a minimal intervention control group (ie, self-care advice). As a result, a second pilot study of patients with sciatica of more than 4 weeks duration has been planned before a full-scale trial is attempted.
OBJECTIVE: To discuss the management and resolution of suckling intolerance in a 6-month-old infant. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 6-month-old boy with a 4(1/2)-month history of aversion to suckling was evaluated in a chiropractic office. Static and motion palpation and observation detected an abnormal inward dishing at the occipitoparietal junction, as well as upper cervical (C1-C2) asymmetry and fixation. These indicated the presence of cranial and upper cervical subluxations. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: The patient was treated 5 times through use of cranial adjusting; 4 of these visits included atlas (C1) adjustment. The suckling intolerance resolved immediately after the first office visit and did not return. CONCLUSION: It is possible that in the infant, a relationship between mechanical abnormalities of the cervicocranial junction and suckling dysfunction exists; further research in this area could be beneficial. Possible physiological etiologies of painful suckling are presented.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of adjusting the ankle in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains. DESIGN: A single-blind, comparative, controlled pilot study. SETTING: Technikon Natal Chiropractic Day Clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty patients with subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains. Patients were recruited from the public; they responded to advertisements placed in newspapers and on notice boards around the campus and local sports clubs. INTERVENTION: Each of the 15 patients in the treatment group received the ankle mortise separation adjustment. Each of the 15 patients in the placebo group received 5 minutes of detuned ultrasound treatment. Each participant received a maximum of 8 treatment sessions spread over a period of 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patients were evaluated at the first treatment, at the final treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up consultation. Subjective scores were obtained by means of the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101. Objective measurements were obtained from goniometer readings measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and algometer readings measuring pain threshold over the ankle lateral ligaments. A functional evaluation of ankle function was also used. RESULTS: Although both groups showed improvement, statistically significant differences in favor of the adjustment group were noted with respect to reduction in pain, increased ankle range of motion, and ankle function. CONCLUSIONS: This study appears to indicate that the mortise separation adjustment may be superior to detuned ultrasound therapy in the management of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II inversion ankle sprains.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a vectored adjustment of the atlas in patients identified as demonstrating signs of upper cervical joint dysfunction would cause lowering of blood pressure in comparison with resting controls. DESIGN: Test 1: controlled clinical trial with a treatment (adjustment) group and a control (resting) group. Test 2: controlled clinical trial with subjects serving as their own controls. SETTING: Private chiropractic practice. PARTICIPANTS: Test 1: Forty established patients demonstrating signs of upper cervical subluxation/joint dysfunction and 40 established patients without such signs. Test 2: Thirty established patients demonstrating signs of upper cervical subluxation/joint dysfunction. INTERVENTION: Specific, vectored upper cervical (atlas) adjustment or similarly positioned resting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prerest, postrest, and postadjustment systolic, diastolic, and pulse rates as recorded through use of a digital oscillometric sphygmomanometer. RESULTS: In test 1, subjects receiving adjustment had a significant (P <.001) decrease in systolic blood pressure whereas resting subjects did not. Intergroup comparison of the treatment (adjustment) and control (resting) groups demonstrated a significant difference (P <.001). A greater pre/post drop in systolic pressure was associated with greater age and higher initial systolic pressure. In test 2, the pre/postrest change in systolic blood pressure was not significant. The systolic blood pressure changed significantly (P <.001) from postrest readings to postadjustment readings. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that palpation and vectored atlas adjustment causes a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure in patients with putative upper cervical subluxation/joint dysfunction in comparison with resting controls. Similar results were also demonstrated when subjects acted as their own controls. The lack of randomization, blinding, and a manipulated control group are factors that weaken these findings. The sudden drop in systolic pressure is proposed to be due to stimulation of the cervicosympathetic reflex or moderation of muscle tone and elimination of the effects of the pressor reflex.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative effect of instrument-delivered thrust cervical manipulations in comparison with traditional manual-delivered thrust cervical manipulations in the treatment of cervical spine dysfunction. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, comparative clinical trial. SETTING: Outpatient chiropractic clinic, Technikon Natal, South Africa. PATIENTS: Thirty patients diagnosed with neck pain and restricted cervical spine range of motion without complicating pathosis for at least 1 month were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were randomized into 2 groups. Those in one group received mechanical force, manually assisted (MFMA) manipulation to the cervical spine, delivered by means of a hand-held instrument (Activator II Adjusting Instrument). Those in the other group received specific contact high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation consisting of standard Diversified rotary/lateral break techniques to the cervical spine. Each group received only the specific therapeutic intervention, no other treatment modalities or interventions (including medication) being used, until asymptomatic status was achieved or a maximum of 8 treatments had been received. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Both treatment groups were assessed through use of subjective (Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101, McGill Short-Form Pain Questionnaire, and Neck Disability Index) and objective (goniometer cervical range of motion) measurement parameters at specific intervals during the treatment period and at 1-month follow-up. The data were assessed through use of 2-tailed nonparametric paired and unpaired analysis, descriptive statistics, and power analysis of the data. RESULTS: The results indicate that both treatment methods had a positive effect on the subjective and objective clinical outcome measures, no significant difference being observed between the 2 groups (P < .025). The subjective data from all 3 questionnaires showed statistically significant changes from initial to final consultations as well as from initial consultation to 1-month follow-up (P < .025). The objective range of motion measures showed statistically significant changes in the MFMA group for left and right rotation and left and right lateral flexion from initial consultation to final consultations and for right rotation and right lateral flexion from initial consultation to 1-month follow-up. The HVLA group showed only the change in left rotation from initial to final consultations and from initial consultation to 1-month follow-up to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this clinical trial indicate that both instrumental (MFMA) manipulation and manual (HVLA) manipulation have beneficial effects associated with reducing pain and disability and improving cervical range of motion in this patient population. A randomized, controlled clinical trial in a similar patient base with a larger sample size is necessary to verify the clinical relevance of these findings.
BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging is often used to assess for disk displacement after manipulation, but limited information about the true incidence of iatrogenic herniations exists. To design a study that evaluates for a causal relationship, preliminary data must be obtained relating to the size of different types of disk displacement. The reliability of chiropractic radiologists in assessing disks and a comparison of different measuring devices should also be evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To identify average measurements for normal and displaced disks and to assess the reliability of measurements by chiropractic radiologists. STUDY DESIGN: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability study assessing disk displacement on magnetic resonance scans. METHODS: Three evaluators assessed the disks on 122 magnetic resonance scans from two imaging centers. Six categories were graded, and digitizer and ruler measurements were compared. Forty-four scans were reassessed for intraobserver agreement. Intraobserver and interobserver variations were measured with intraclass correlation coefficient and kappa statistical analysis. Measurement device correlation was assessed with Pearson's r. RESULTS: Clear size differences between different types of disk displacement were noted. Interexaminer measurement reliability was 0.78 to 0.84. Agreement concerning the presence of disk displacement was 85% (kappa = 0.68), and the classification of disk displacements was 76% (kappa = 0.60). Intraexaminer measurement reliability was 0.40 to 0.49. Intraexaminer agreement concerning the presence of disk displacement was 76% (kappa = 0.52), and the classification of disk displacements was 62% to 69% (kappa = 0.38 to 0.46). Normal versus bulged disk distinctions demonstrated the most disagreement. The ruler and digitizer correlation coefficient was 0.968. CONCLUSIONS: Different disk types demonstrated distinct size averages. Interexaminer agreement was good concerning disk assessment and measurements. Intraexaminer agreement was lower than expected. A millimetric ruler is an acceptable alternative to digital measurement devices.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of rotational cervical manipulation in treating a patient who had undergone a traumatically induced dissection of the internal carotid artery and to review the literature on recurrent cervical artery dissections. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 21-year-old woman with hemiparesis from an internal carotid artery dissection that occurred as the result of a motor vehicle accident had neck pain and headaches. Moderate range of motion restrictions in the neck were present along with articular restrictions to movement palpation. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: After a year of soft-tissue treatment, we obtained detailed, informed consent from the patient to attempt diversified manipulation to the neck. The patient described greater and more immediate relief and longer pain-free periods than could be achieved by soft-tissue treatment alone. CONCLUSION: Patients with previous cervical artery dissections may present with unrelated neck pain and headaches and request treatment. In selected cases, with complete informed consent, manipulation of the neck may relieve these symptoms. A review of published case reports on recurrent dissections suggests that trauma is not a significant factor in the second dissection. Care must be taken in extrapolating the results from this case to any other patient with a history of cervical artery dissection.