Multimodal Chiropractic Management of Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Case Series from a Private Practice

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition causing significant pain and disability. This report evaluates the outcomes of patients with LBP undergoing chiropractic care at a private clinic. Methods: A retrospective case series was conducted on 37 patients with low back pain at Aspinwall Clinic in Lagrange, GA. Data were compiled from existing patient records, including de-identified patient-reported pain reduction percentages, numeric pain scale scores, and treatment modalities. The primary outcome measure was the percentage reduction in pain from baseline to the conclusion of the treatment plan. Results: The cohort (n=37) demonstrated a mean pain reduction of 87% (median 88%). Individual cases illustrate outcomes across diverse demographics and presentations. Interventions included chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and SoftWave therapy. For example, a 45-54 year-old female reported a 100% pain reduction (from 8/10 to 0/10) over 6 weeks. Another patient, a 55-64 year-old male, reported an 87% pain reduction (from 9/10 to 1/10) in 6 weeks. Conclusion: The findings of this case series suggest that the multimodal chiropractic protocols utilized at this clinic may be associated with substantial pain reduction for patients with low back pain. These results warrant further investigation through more rigorous study designs.

Methods

This study was conducted as a retrospective case series to evaluate patient outcomes at Aspinwall Clinic, a private chiropractic practice located in Lagrange, GA. The clinical team includes Dr. Christopher Alberts, Dr. Jim Aspinwall, Dr. Chip Moore, and Dr. Ross Deacon.

The analysis included a cohort of 37 de-identified patient cases who presented to the clinic with a primary complaint of low back pain and for whom verified outcome data were available. Data were extracted from existing patient files and patient testimonials. Inclusion was based on the availability of a documented, patient-reported percentage of pain reduction after a course of care.

The primary outcome measure was the percentage of pain reduction. For a subset of these cases (n=12), more detailed data were available, including initial and final pain scores on an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (0=no pain, 10=worst possible pain), treatment duration, patient demographics (age range, gender), and the specific treatment protocols administered. These protocols included a combination of chiropractic adjustments, non-surgical spinal decompression, and SoftWave therapy. Functional improvements were captured qualitatively from patient testimonials when available.

Data was aggregated to calculate the mean and median pain reduction for the entire cohort. Representative individual case data are presented to illustrate the clinical context, interventions, and outcomes. Due to the retrospective nature of this study, no control group was used for comparison, and the data collection was not standardized for research purposes.

Discussion

The results of this retrospective case series indicate that a significant majority of patients with low back pain treated at this clinic reported a high degree of pain relief. A mean pain reduction of 87% in a cohort of 37 patients suggests a clinically meaningful effect. The findings from the individual case data suggest that this positive response was observed across a range of patient ages, initial pain severities, and treatment durations.

The use of a multimodal approach, combining chiropractic adjustments with spinal decompression and SoftWave therapy, appears to be a central element of the care provided. While this study cannot attribute improvement to any single modality, the combination may offer a synergistic benefit. For instance, chiropractic adjustments can restore joint mobility, spinal decompression can alleviate pressure on discs and nerves, and SoftWave therapy can address associated soft tissue inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. The case of a patient (Case 1) with radiating groin pain resolving alongside back pain suggests the treatment effectively addressed the underlying cause of both local and referred symptoms.

Clinically, these outcomes are favorable when compared to general expectations for conservative LBP management, where the goal is substantial pain reduction and functional improvement. The ability of patients to resume normal daily activities and work functions, as noted in several cases, underscores the practical impact of the treatment beyond simple pain score reduction. However, these promising results must be interpreted with caution. Without a control group, it is impossible to parse the effects of the interventions from the natural history of the condition, patient expectation, or placebo effects. The findings support the continued use of this multimodal protocol within the practice and provide a foundation for future, more rigorous prospective research.

Limitations

This study has several important limitations inherent to its retrospective case series design. First, the data were collected from clinical records not originally intended for research, which may lead to inconsistencies or missing variables, such as a standardized mobility metric. Second, the absence of a control group makes it impossible to definitively attribute the observed pain reduction to the interventions provided; improvements could be due to the natural history of low back pain or placebo effects. Third, the findings are from a single private practice, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other clinical settings, provider groups, or patient populations. The skill and experience of the specific practitioners are uncontrolled variables. Fourth, all outcome measures, including pain reduction percentages and numeric pain scores, were self-reported by patients and are therefore subjective and susceptible to recall bias. Finally, there is a potential for selection bias, as patients with positive outcomes may be more likely to complete care and be included in this type of review.