Objective: The purpose of this study is to report on the structural and symptomatic improvements made in a patient with a cervical spondylolisthesis using Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique.
Clinical Features: A 52-year-old female presented for chiropractic care with frequent and severe neck pain, neck stiffness, and pain in the upper back. A neutral lateral cervical x-ray displayed anterolisthesis at C4-C5 measuring 2.4mm (ideal is 0mm). Also present was an anterior head translation measuring 19.66mm (ideal is 0mm) and an absolute rotational angle from C2-C7 measuring -22.8° (ideal is -42°).
Intervention and Outcomes: The patient received chiropractic care 30 times over 3 months using Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique protocols. Follow-up examination revealed that the patient achieved a correction of her C4-C5 spondylolisthesis from 2.4mm to 0.7mm. Her anterior head translation was reduced from 19.6mm to 9.0mm, and the absolute rotational angle from C2-C7 improved from -22.8° to -26°. The patient also reported a resolution of her pain, stiffness, tension, and swelling symptoms.
Conclusion: This case study demonstrates the successful reduction of cervical spondylolisthesis and improvement of sagittal spinal alignment and cervical lordosis in a 52-year-old female with cervicothoracic pain and postural abnormalities using Chiropractic BioPhysics® technique. Further research is suggested for either a case series or clinical trial to see how conservative chiropractic care can negate the need for surgical intervention of cervical spondylolisthesis.
Author keywords: chiropractic, subluxation, spondylolisthesis, cervical spine, degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis, DCS, Chiropractic BioPhysics®, CBP®, Mirror Image®, adjustment, traction, posture, translation, spinal instability
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