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A study of postspinal surgery cases in chiropractic offices
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Chiropractic offices see a notable number of patients with postsurgical back issues. This study found the prevalence of these cases in chiropractic practices exceeds general public expectations.
Area of Science:
- Chiropractic research
- Spinal surgery outcomes
- Public health
Background:
- Postsurgical back pain is a common patient concern.
- Understanding the role of chiropractic care in managing postsurgical patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of postsurgical back cases within chiropractic practices.
- To assess the extent of chiropractic involvement with patients who have undergone spinal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of patients was collected over 30 days from established chiropractic offices.
- Consecutive patients were assessed for prior spinal surgery history.
- Demographic data were collected for postsurgical patients.
Main Results:
- 3.75% of patients (68 out of 1,939) had undergone at least one spinal surgery.
- Lumbar surgery was most common (55 patients), followed by cervical (10) and thoracic (4).
- The average age of postsurgical patients was 52, with an average of 14.5 years since surgery.
Conclusions:
- Chiropractic practices manage a significant volume of postsurgical back patients.
- The prevalence of postsurgical cases in chiropractic settings is higher than anticipated for the general population.