• Jin J
• Chuah H
• Sherson M

• Activator Method
• Affiliation / New Zealand College of Chiropractic
• Affiliation / Private Practice
• Affiliation(G) / New Zealand / North Island / Aukland
• Aged
• Cervical Vertebrae
• Female
• Neck Pain
• Radiculopathy
• Spinal Stenosis

Objective: The purpose of this case study is to describe changes in an older chiropractic patient suffering from cervical intervertebral foraminal stenosis causing radiculopathy.

Clinical Features: A 74-year-old female diagnosed with moderate cervical foraminal stenosis causing radiculopathy to her lateral left arm, 3rd, 4thand 5th digits, with the 3rd digit being the most severe. She had been experiencing these symptoms for one year prior to presenting for chiropractic care. Examination revealed vertebral subluxations at multiple spinal levels.

Interventions & Outcomes: The patient was checked and adjusted using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique for 15 visits over eight weeks. After 15 chiropractic visits the patient reported decreased numbness and tingling in her left arm accompanied by increased cervical range of motion.

Conclusion: Symptoms associated with cervical foraminal stenosis improved in this patient while she was receiving chiropractic care. Further research is warranted to investigate whether chiropractors have a role to play in helping patients with cervical foraminal stenosis.

Author keywords: Cervical foraminal stenosis, radiculopathy, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic adjustment, geriatric

Author affiliations: JJ, HC: Private Practice of Chiropractic, Aukland, New Zealand; MS: New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Aukland, New Zealand

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