Functional outcomes in oncology patients receiving chiropractic care: a retrospective chart review

Oncology patients often experience musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders because of common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone-blocking medication, and surgery. These side effects include higher pain levels and a decreased range of motion, which can negatively impact activities of daily living. With a focus on neuromuscular health, chiropractic care, which uses low-force spinal manipulative therapy and myofascial techniques, may offer safe conservative treatment to help address these challenges.

This single-arm retrospective observational study evaluated the relationship between chiropractic care and patient-specific functional scale (PSFS) and pain intensity in a sample of 97 oncology patients in a regional comprehensive cancer hospital setting. Using documented PSFS scores, the study analyzed pre- and post-treatment functional changes in activities and assessed their statistical significance.

Data analysis showed statistically significant improvements in patient-specific function and pain intensity across visits (p < 0.001). Linear mixed-effects models demonstrated a mean PSFS increase from 4.45 at the baseline visit to 5.13 at FU1 and 5.53 at FU2. Mean pain intensity decreased from 6.07 at the baseline visit to 5.10 at FU1 and 4.64 at FU2.

These preliminary findings demonstrated improvements in patient-specific function and pain intensity across visits among oncology patients receiving chiropractic care. Although study limitations include the absence of a control group and variability in treatment techniques, improvements in specific function and pain intensity encourage further prospective controlled research to evaluate how chiropractic can be integrated into supportive oncology care.