Chiropractic Care of a Patient with Chronic Muscle Spasms and Headaches with Complex Comorbidity: A Case Report Volume 4 - Issue 4

Steven L Silverman¹*, Tabetha Super² and Stephen Paxton³

• ¹Practicing Faculty Clinician Palmer College of Chiropractic, USA
• ²Private Practice at Smith Chiropractic and Wellness Center, USA
• ³Private Practice at Hunt Spinal Care, USA

Received: November 05, 2020;   Published:November 17, 2020

Corresponding author: Steven L Silverman, Practicing Faculty Clinician Palmer College of Chiropractic, USA

DOI: 10.32474/OSMOAJ.2020.04.000194

 

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Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe chiropractic care for a woman suffering from chronic muscle spasm and headaches.

Methods: A 26-year old woman presented with a seven-year history of chronic thoracic region myospasm and frequent headaches. Clinical evaluation revealed thoracic and cervical myalgia, thoracic myospasm, and cervicogenic headaches. Health history included childhood cancer, liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, and polypharmacy. Care included high-velocity low-amplitude Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT) and home-based neck exercises for 13 visits over 14 weeks.

Results: After four visits, muscle spasm and headache frequency and severity decreased by 40%. By the eighth visit, headaches further decreased, fostering resumption of previously suspended hobbies (painting and working for a local sculptor). Improved sleep, fewer allergy symptoms, and better blood glucose control were also reported.

Discussion: A variety of studies have shown that non-pharmacological conservative care in the form of chiropractic spinal manipulation is effective in the treatment of muscle spasms and headaches. The reduction in pharmacology may also contribute to improvements in a patient’s ability to do activities of daily living.

Conclusion: This case presents the effectiveness of chiropractic care for this patient and suggests a need to better understand the mechanisms of CMT and exercise as they relate to chronic muscle spasm and other associated symptoms.

Keywords: Chiropractic; Spasm; Neck Pain; Cervicogenic; Headache; Cervical; Exercise; Comorbidity

Abstract| Introduction| Methods| Results| Discussion| Conclusion| References|