Objective: We discuss the treatment of a 12-year-old patient with a history of a surgically-repaired right femur fracture, and minor lumbar and thoracic spinal curvatures. The goal of the treatment was to determine if chiropractic adjustments and exercise could prevent the progression of the curvature.
Clinical Features: A 12-year-old male was seen for rehabilitative exercise and chiropractic adjustments after surgical implantation of intramedullary nailing. Postural discrepancies and a positive Adam’s Test warranted an x-ray examination of the spinal column to determine curvature. Initial Cobb angle in the lumbar spine was 5° and 12° in the thoracic spine (T8-T12).
Intervention and Outcome: Over 6 months, the patient was seen 2-3 times weekly, and received chiropractic adjustments (diversified, Palmer-Thompson, and Palmer Gonstead), corrective exercises, strength exercises, speed exercises, and neuromuscular control procedures. At the end of treatment, follow-up x-rays demonstrated no change or progression in the Cobb angle.
Conclusion: This case examines the use of exercise protocols and chiropractic adjustments and their effectiveness on scoliosis progression. More research is needed to provide conclusive evidence that general exercise protocols in association with chiropractic care are helpful for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Author keywords: Chiropractic; Scoliosis, Exercise, Adolescent; Idiopathic scoliosis
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