Case-series · July 29, 2026
Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Case Series from Back To Health Chiropractic - Muskegon
By Back To Health Chiropractic - Muskegon
Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population globally, often leading to considerable disability and economic burden. Chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments, is a commonly sought treatment. This case series aims to document outcomes for patients receiving chiropractic care for LBP within a clinical practice setting. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 17 de-identified patient records from Back To Health Chiropractic - Muskegon in Norton Shores, MI, who presented with a chief complaint of low back pain. Data collected included baseline pain levels, post-treatment pain levels, and qualitative descriptions of functional improvement. Patients underwent various synergistic treatments including chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, laser therapy, and SoftWave therapy. Results: Across the 17 cases, the mean reduction in low back pain was 86%, with a median reduction of 87%. Individual cases demonstrated significant improvements in daily activities, sleep quality, and exercise tolerance. For example, one patient with persistent lumbar pain (8/10 baseline) achieved a 99% pain reduction after 12 visits. Another patient with sharp low back pain (7/10 baseline) reported 90% pain reduction following 12 visits. Conclusions: The findings from this case series suggest that chiropractic care, often enhanced with adjunctive therapies, may be effective in reducing low back pain and improving functional status in patients. These results warrant further investigation through larger, controlled studies.
Methods
This retrospective case series involved a review of de-identified patient data collected from Back To Health Chiropractic - Muskegon, located in Norton Shores, MI. The study aimed to document outcomes for patients who presented with a chief complaint of low back pain and received care at the clinic. Inclusion criteria for this series were all patients with verified outcome data relating to low back pain improvement under the care of Dr. Alexis Crowell (D.C.) or Dr. Mason Motte (D.C.). A total of 17 cases meeting these criteria were included in the analysis. Data were extracted from existing patient records, focusing on baseline and post-treatment pain levels, reported as a numerical rating out of 10. The primary metric captured was the percentage reduction in pain, alongside qualitative descriptions of functional improvement. Although mobility improvement percentages were not specifically tracked, related qualitative observations were noted. The treatment protocols varied per patient but commonly included Chiropractic Adjustments, often supplemented with adjunctive therapies such as spinal decompression, Class IV laser therapy, and SoftWave therapy. The data analysis involved calculating the mean and median pain reduction percentages across the aggregate patient cohort. Individual case stories were also reviewed to provide qualitative insights into patient experiences and functional improvements. Limitations of this retrospective design include the absence of a control group, reliance on self-reported pain scores, variability in treatment duration and specific protocols, and the potential for selection bias inherent in clinical practice data.
Discussion
The outcomes observed in this retrospective case series suggest a positive impact of chiropractic care, often integrated with adjunctive therapies, on patients experiencing low back pain at Back To Health Chiropractic - Muskegon. A mean pain reduction of 86% and a median of 87% across 17 cases are clinically significant, indicating that a large majority of patients experienced substantial relief. These results align with broader clinical expectations for conservative treatments of low back pain, where chiropractic interventions are generally recognized for their efficacy in pain reduction and functional improvement. The individual case vignettes further illustrate this, demonstrating restoration of daily activities such as sleeping comfortably, entering/exiting vehicles, lifting, and exercising, which were previously compromised by pain. The observed improvements in pain and function are hypothesized to stem from the multimodal treatment approach utilized, which typically combines chiropractic adjustments to address spinal joint dysfunction with therapies like spinal decompression, SoftWave therapy, and Class IV laser, targeting inflammation, tissue repair, and nerve impingement. This integrated approach may provide a more comprehensive solution to complex LBP presentations. The clinical implications are that a targeted and personalized chiropractic care plan, potentially incorporating various adjunctive modalities, can be a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from low back pain. These findings encourage further exploration of such integrated approaches in managing LBP and underscore the potential for conservative care to significantly improve quality of life.
Limitations
This retrospective case series is subject to several limitations primarily due to its design. As a retrospective study, it relies on existing patient records, which may not have been standardized for research purposes, leading to potential inconsistencies in data collection. The study's single-site nature and small sample size (n=17) limit the generalizability of the findings to a broader population or other clinical settings. All reported metrics, particularly pain levels, are self-reported by patients, introducing potential for subjective bias. The absence of a control group means that observed improvements cannot be definitively attributed solely to the chiropractic interventions, as natural history of low back pain or other factors might contribute to resolution. Furthermore, the variability in treatment protocols and durations across individual cases complicates direct comparisons and the identification of specific effective components of care. The potential for selection bias is also inherent, as patients who seek and continue care at the clinic may already be predisposed to positive outcomes.