Resolution of Cervical Radiculopathy with Chiropractic Care: A Case Report

A case study published in the September 9, 2015, issue of the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research reports on the resolution of cervical radiculopathy in a 61-year-old woman. WebMD describes this condition by saying, "Cervical radiculopathy is the damage or disturbance of nerve function that results if one of the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots in the cervical area can cause pain and the loss of sensation along the nerve's pathway into the arm and hand, depending on where the damaged roots are located."

The authors of the study note that this problem is prevalent in patients aged 40-60 years, with most cases occurring to individuals in their 60s. Common medical treatment include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/ or surgery. One of the more common types of care for these problems is chiropractic care.

In this case, a 61-year-old New Zealand woman presented herself for chiropractic care. She was suffering from two months of numbness, tingling and a burning sensation in her right arm. She would feel pain up to 12 times per day that lasted several minutes. Additionally, she reported suffering from stiffness in her neck which had started 20 years earlier.

A chiropractic examination revealed multiple vertebral subluxations in her neck and upper mid back, for which chiropractic adjustments were started. The woman received the adjustments at a rate of twice per week for a six week period, at which time a re-evaluation was performed.

At her re-evaluation, the woman reported greater ease with movement and reduction in numbness. Additionally, she also mentioned an improvement in her posture, an increase in flexibility, improved walking, standing, lying, sleeping, reduced stress, an increase in alertness and an overall improvement in her state of mind. After 2 months of care, the study reports that the woman's cervical radiculopathy had been completely resolved.

In their discussion, the authors explain how chiropractic helped in this case by stating, "The correction of the vertebral subluxation can improve radiculopathy and pain sensation, assist with balance, daily activities and movement in older patients." They concluded, "This case reports a reduction in cervical radiculopathy in a geriatric patient receiving chiropractic care. It adds to the growing body of evidence that chiropractic care may be beneficial for some older patients suffering from degenerative conditions."