CASE SERIES OF SYMPTOMATOLOGY COMPRESSION RATES OF CHIROPRACTIC PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LOW BACK PAIN AT 2-WEEKS AND 4-WEEKS

Abstract

Objective: The study purpose was to investigate symptom compression rates (the mean rate of improvement of patient outcomes) of chiropractic patients with acute low back pain over a 4-week period.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with acute low back pain received 4 weeks of chiropractic care. Survey data points were recorded at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks later. Outcome instruments used were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, Roland-Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) General Health Survey. Additionally, the SF-36 was sub-analyzed by scales: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health, energy/fatigue, and bodily pain. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data over time.

Results: VAS score decreased by 37.5% (p=0.00) from baseline to 2-weeks post, and by 66.2% total (p=0.00, partial η²=0.557) from baseline to 4-weeks post. RDQ score decreased by 32.9% (p=0.002) from baseline to 2-weeks post, and by 44.3% total (p=0.000, partial η²=0.260) from baseline to 4-weeks post. SF-36 score increased by 17.0% (p=0.000) from baseline to 2-weeks post, and by 25.1% total (p=0.000, partial η²=0.534) from baseline to 4-weeks post. The greatest attribute that decreased on the SF-36 sub-analysis was role limitations due to physical health which increased by 42.4% (p=0.002) from baseline to 2-weeks post, and 51.4% total (p=0.000, partial η²=0.496) from baseline to 4-weeks post.

Conclusion: Proportionately, the most rapid improvements in VAS, RDQ, and SF-36 occurred during the first two weeks of care compared to the last 2 weeks of care.