• Klaus L
• Frontine K
• Wells B

• Adult
• Chronic Pain
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Female
• Open Access Document

Objective: To discuss chiropractic management of a patient with hypermobility type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

Clinical Features: A 47-year-old female had a 5-year history of chronic neck and low back pain with radiation into the right buttock. In addition to these pain complaints, she also experienced frequent migraine headaches. In 2011, she had an L5-S1 discectomy as a result of her low back pain. Following her diagnosis of hypermobility type Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, (EDS), she experienced complications in which she had severe joint instability of her left ankle and right knee. She reported she had to have reconstructive surgeries to properly stabilize the joints. Her neck and low back pain were constant and did not resolve over these 5 years. Upon presenting to the chiropractor, her initial Neck Disability Index was 21/50 and Low Back Oswestry Questionnaire was 18/50.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient completed a care plan receiving care once a week for 6 weeks, once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks, then came once a month for the last month rounding out 4 months of care. During each visit, she received Thompson drops in the pelvis, diversified adjustments in the thoracic region, and instrument assisted adjustments in the cervical region. Her pain reduced after the first visit and disability decreased after her fourth visit. After four months of care, her Neck Disability Index was 17/50 and Low Back Oswestry Questionnaire was 11/50.

Conclusion: Chiropractic care may lead to improvement with secondary symptoms in patients with hypermobility type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Author keywords: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome; Chiropractic; Hypermobility

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