A 51-year-old female presented to our clinic with multiple musculoskeletal complaints. She reported arthritis affecting her toes and thumbs, as well as looseness in the joints of her hands and feet. Her primary concern was chronic lower back stiffness caused by scoliosis that had gradually worsened over the past several years.
Her lifestyle included walking and practicing yoga a few times per week, though she also noted extended periods of sitting for work and a daily commute of about 35 minutes, both of which aggravated her symptoms.
Her personal health goals included losing weight, improving hip mobility through yoga, building strength, and adopting a healthier lifestyle with whole foods, less sugar, and reduced alcohol intake.
Chief Complaints
- Lower Back Pain & Stiffness: Ongoing for since 2013 or 10–12 years ago, with pain worsening when stretching was skipped.
- Arthritis & Joint Discomfort: Involving the toes (1-year history) and thumbs (5-year history), with intermittent pain and joint looseness.
- Functional Limitations: Difficulty rising from seated positions, reduced ability to walk comfortably, and decreased enjoyment of family and recreational activities.
- Frequency: Daily.
Medical & Lifestyle History
- Previous Chiropractic Care: One visit after her first pregnancy for low back pain.
- Past Trauma: Childhood fall from a porch resulting in a forehead laceration.
- Mental Health: Reported history of depression and anxiety.
- Exercise: Walks and does yoga 1–2 times per week.
- Supplements: Turmeric, collagen, fish oil, probiotics, vitamin D3+K2, and others.
Examination Findings
Initial c-rays and chiropractic exams revealed for lumbar spine range of motion:
- Flexion: 55° (normal 60° – restricted)
- Extension: 20° (normal 25° – restricted)
- Lateral Flexion Left: 20° (normal 25° – restricted)
- Lateral Flexion Right: 20° (normal 25° – restricted)
- Rotation Left: 25° (normal 30° – restricted)
- Rotation Right: 25° (normal 30° – restricted)
Summary: The lumbar spine demonstrated measurable restrictions across all planes of movement, with pain rated up to 7/10 at its worst.
Neurological Findings: Reflexes intact and symmetrical. No neurological deficits observed.
Figure 1
PI = Posterior Inferior Rotation
In= Internal Rotation
P = Posterior Rotation
AS = Anterior Superior Rotation
Ex = External Rotation
Figure 2
Customized Care Plan
To address both the root cause and her symptoms, the patient began a Spinal Corrective Care Plan over 2 months, which included:
- 12 Chiropractic Adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and improve nervous system function
- Shockwave Therapy (8 sessions) to promote tissue healing and reduce chronic pain
- 2 Re-evaluations to track progress
- 3 Home stretching / exercise instructions to reinforce in-clinic care
- 1 Ergonomic recommendation to help prevent flare-ups
- Final X-ray to measure structural improvements
Post-Treatment Results
Post-treatment testing showed that her lower back motion was fully restored to normal levels.
- Flexion: Improved from 55° → 60° (normal)
- Extension: Improved from 20° → 25° (normal)
- Lateral Flexion Left: Improved from 20° → 25° (normal)
- Lateral Flexion Right: Improved from 20° → 25° (normal)
- Rotation Left: Improved from 25° → 30° (normal)
- Rotation Right: Improved from 25° → 30° (normal)
These results mean she regained full, pain-free movement in her lower back, which directly supported her goals of staying active allowing her to squat and walk more easily.
Figure 3
PI = Posterior Inferior Rotation
In= Internal Rotation
P = Posterior Rotation
AS = Anterior Superior Rotation
Ex = External Rotation
Figure 4
Final Outcome
After completing the two-month corrective care plan, the patient reported excellent improvements, estimating a 90% overall reduction in symptoms. She experienced significant relief from pain and noted that her daily activities became much easier and more comfortable.
Her lumbar range of motion was fully restored, and she reported feeling stronger, more relaxed, and more alert overall.
She consistently performed her prescribed strengthening exercises 2 to 4 times per week, which contributed significantly to her progress. The patient’s remaining symptoms were minimal, limited to occasional mild stiffness.
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