Chiropractic Rehab for Adult Scoliosis Research Study

A retrospective chart review was conducted at 2 spine clinics in Michigan, USA.  Twenty-eight patients with scoliosis who presented to the medical clinics within the same 2-year period were selected for this study.  Patients were treated with the same chiropractic rehabilitation program for approximately 6 months.  This study is remarkable in that it is among the first to document radiographic, self-rated, and physiologic benefits that were sustained for at least 2 years after treatment ceased. 

Approximately 68% of curvatures greater than 30° at skeletal maturity tend to progress.  The uneven load causes uneven wear on the spine causing the curvature to increase.  This in turn leads to a more severe uneven load and the cycle continues.  Ultimately the adult scoliosis progresses and negatively affect quality of life later.  The only way to stop the cycle is to reduce the uneven load on the spine by improving the symmetry of the spine.

The treatment approach provided to the sample population is centered around the concept of Active Reflex Correction in 3 Dimensions (ARC3D).  The various clinical and home modalities used for each patient include: external weighting system, axial distraction, rotary torso exercises, and spinal molding on foam fulcrum blocks.  All patients performed these procedures; however, each procedure was customized to the patient depending upon the patient’s strength and curvature type/location.

The average beginning primary Cobb angle was 44° ± 6°.  After 2 years, a mean of 10° ± 9° of reduction was observed across all curvature groups. The QNPS scores improved by 39% after 6 months and further improved by another 21% at 24-month follow-up. Disability scores on the FRI improve from a baseline of 60% disability to 30% disability at 6 months and 18% disability at 24 months. Spirometry measures also increased by 7% and were maintained at 24 months.

There are very little published data showing the ability of a nonsurgical, nonbracing, exercise-based therapy to provide a corrective benefit for scoliosis patients, especially in the long term. These data are among the first to demonstrate a sustained radiographic benefit well after clinic treatment had been ceased. All of these patients were skeletally mature at the time of treatment.  Cobb angle reductions were recorded in 22 of the 28 patients, with the remaining 6 patients (double major group) receiving no apparent Cobb angle benefit. However, all patients, including the double major group, recorded positive Improvements in pain rating and disability scores were recorded among all curvature types at 6 and 24 months. 

Several modalities were used by the patients in this study, so it is unknown which of the specific modalities within this program had the most significant impact on the patients’ outcomes.  The pain and functional improvements recorded in this study support the potential ability of chiropractic rehabilitation to positively impact adult patients with scoliosis.

Source: Outcomes for adult scoliosis patients receiving chiropractic rehabilitation: a 24-month retrospective analysis

By: Mark W. Morningstar