Recommended Citation
Nilles C, Mehring J, Johnson J, Gogineni V, Kirk E. Chiropractic Role in the Interdisciplinary Care of a Patient with Low Back Pain Following Spinal Cord Infarction. Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Abstract
Introduction/Background:
Spinal cord infarction is a rare type of stroke that occurs within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. The etiology of spinal cord infarction is commonly a result of atherosclerosis and related complications. The outcome of this condition often results in severe disabilities and functional impairment. The focus of long-term management is on rehabilitation to optimize function and quality of life. This case report highlights how a chiropractor functioned within an interdisciplinary healthcare team to manage low back pain in a patient with a history of spinal cord infarction.
Description:
A 46-year-old male with a history of spinal cord infarction was referred by pain management for chiropractic evaluation and treatment of chronic low back and bilateral lower extremity pain. Orthopedic testing provoked pain in the lumbosacral region, and hypertonicity of the pelvic musculature was noted bilaterally. Lumbar range of motion was globally decreased and painful. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 10/10 and Defense and Veterans Affairs (DoD/VA) Pain Supplemental Questions score of 40/40 were reported. The patient's condition was managed with comprehensive, interdisciplinary care that involved neurology, pain management, physical therapy, behavioral health, and chiropractic services. This integrated approach aims to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being. Chiropractic care involved a multimodal treatment plan of 12 visits over 6 weeks consisting of low-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation, Cox distraction technique, and soft tissue mobilization. After 12 visits, the patient reported a score of 0/10 on the VAS and 20/40 on the DoD/VA Pain Supplemental Questions. The patient had increased function, decreased pain, and no adverse reactions.
Discussion:
Spinal cord injuries present complex challenges that often require coordinated care across multiple disciplines. This case report emphasizes the inclusion of chiropractic treatment in an interdisciplinary clinical approach without adverse events for a patient with low back pain and multiple comorbidities including spinal cord infarction. The findings suggest that there is a need for additional research on this topic to further develop management strategies and best practices within the chiropractic field.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Full Text of Presentation
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Document Type
Poster
Open Access
Available to all.
Chiropractic Role in the Interdisciplinary Care of a Patient with Low Back Pain Following Spinal Cord Infarction
Introduction/Background:
Spinal cord infarction is a rare type of stroke that occurs within the spinal cord or the arteries that supply it. The etiology of spinal cord infarction is commonly a result of atherosclerosis and related complications. The outcome of this condition often results in severe disabilities and functional impairment. The focus of long-term management is on rehabilitation to optimize function and quality of life. This case report highlights how a chiropractor functioned within an interdisciplinary healthcare team to manage low back pain in a patient with a history of spinal cord infarction.
Description:
A 46-year-old male with a history of spinal cord infarction was referred by pain management for chiropractic evaluation and treatment of chronic low back and bilateral lower extremity pain. Orthopedic testing provoked pain in the lumbosacral region, and hypertonicity of the pelvic musculature was noted bilaterally. Lumbar range of motion was globally decreased and painful. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 10/10 and Defense and Veterans Affairs (DoD/VA) Pain Supplemental Questions score of 40/40 were reported. The patient's condition was managed with comprehensive, interdisciplinary care that involved neurology, pain management, physical therapy, behavioral health, and chiropractic services. This integrated approach aims to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being. Chiropractic care involved a multimodal treatment plan of 12 visits over 6 weeks consisting of low-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation, Cox distraction technique, and soft tissue mobilization. After 12 visits, the patient reported a score of 0/10 on the VAS and 20/40 on the DoD/VA Pain Supplemental Questions. The patient had increased function, decreased pain, and no adverse reactions.
Discussion:
Spinal cord injuries present complex challenges that often require coordinated care across multiple disciplines. This case report emphasizes the inclusion of chiropractic treatment in an interdisciplinary clinical approach without adverse events for a patient with low back pain and multiple comorbidities including spinal cord infarction. The findings suggest that there is a need for additional research on this topic to further develop management strategies and best practices within the chiropractic field.
Affiliations
Aurora Health Center-West Bend, Aurora Health Center River Center, Aurora Health Center-Waukesha, Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center