Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain in a 75-Year-Old Man With Bilateral Developmental Hip Dysplasia

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this case report is to describe chiropractic management of an elderly man with untreated bilateral hip joint dysplasia presenting with mild acute mechanical low back pain. Clinical FeaturesA 75-year-old man presented with an insidious-onset intermittent low back pain of 3days’ duration. Physical examination findings supported a mechanical cause for mild acute low back pain. Plain radiography revealed dysplasia of hip joints with absence of femoral heads and necks and bilateral high dislocation. Intervention and OutcomeChiropractic management included vibration, mobilization, light drop-piece adjustments of the lower lumbar and sacroiliac joints, and recommendation of the use of heat at home. Treatments were given 3 times over the course of 1week. The low back pain intensity over this period dropped from 5 to 0 on an 11-point numerical rating scale, and the patient was discharged. ConclusionThis patient with substantial postural and gait abnormalities as a result of severe bilateral hip dysplasia associated with an unusual pattern of osteoarthritic change in the spine responded favorably to a short course of chiropractic care.