Case-series · July 29, 2026

Improved Outcomes for Lower Back Pain Patients: A Retrospective Case Series from Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville

Abstract

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent global health concern, leading to significant disability and economic burden. While conventional treatments exist, the efficacy of chiropractic care warrants further investigation. This retrospective case series evaluates the outcomes of chiropractic interventions for LBP at a single clinic. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 105 patient records from Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville who presented with lower back pain. Inclusion criteria included documented baseline and post-treatment pain levels. The primary outcome measure was percentage pain reduction. No patient identifiers were collected. Results: A total of 105 patients were included in this analysis. The mean pain reduction observed was 87%, with a median pain reduction of 86%. Individual cases demonstrated significant improvements; for example, one patient with chronic lower back pain with radiating leg symptoms achieved a 98% pain reduction over 4 weeks. Another patient with persistent lumbar pain and stiffness achieved 91% pain reduction in 4 weeks. Mobility improvement percentages were not tracked. Conclusions: The findings suggest that chiropractic care at Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville is associated with substantial pain reduction in patients presenting with lower back pain. This case series supports the potential benefit of chiropractic interventions for LBP.

Methods

This study is a retrospective case series analyzing outcome data from patients treated for lower back pain at Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville, located in Brownsville, KY. The primary investigator, Dr. Grant Watkins, D.C., has over 26 years of clinical experience. The study period included all available de-identified patient records demonstrating a chief complaint of lower back pain with recorded initial and final pain scores. Patients were included if they received chiropractic care at the clinic and had documented numerical pain ratings before and after a course of treatment. The specific chiropractic techniques utilized were at the discretion of the treating chiropractor and were not specified in the collected data. The primary outcome measure was the percentage reduction in pain, calculated using reported initial and final pain scores. Initial pain scores were recorded by patients at their first visit, typically using a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. Final pain scores were recorded at the conclusion of their treatment course or at a significant follow-up interval. Mobility improvement was not consistently tracked across the patient cohort and therefore is not included as an outcome measure in this analysis. Descriptive statistics, including mean and median, were used to summarize the aggregate pain reduction data. Individual case vignettes were selected to illustrate the diversity of patient presentations and observed outcomes. All patient data were de-identified prior to analysis, ensuring patient anonymity. This design is subject to several inherent limitations, including its retrospective nature, the absence of a control group, and reliance on self-reported pain scores. Furthermore, the findings are specific to a single clinic and may not be generalizable to other chiropractic practices.

Discussion

The findings from this retrospective case series at Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville suggest a consistent and substantial positive impact of chiropractic care on patients experiencing lower back pain. The observed mean pain reduction of 87% and median reduction of 86% are clinically significant, indicating effective alleviation of symptoms for a high percentage of patients. These outcomes compare favorably to general clinical expectations for non-pharmacological interventions in LBP, which often aim for pain reduction in the range of 30-50% to be considered clinically meaningful. The individual case vignettes further illustrate the breadth of conditions responding positively to care, from acute injuries to chronic presentations and those with radiating symptoms, across various age groups. For example, the 98% pain reduction in Case 5 for chronic pain with radiating symptoms highlights the potential for profound relief even in complex presentations. Similarly, the rapid improvement shown in Case 8 (91% pain reduction in 4 weeks for persistent lumbar pain) suggests timely and effective intervention. These results align with a growing body of literature supporting the role of chiropractic care in the management of lower back pain, often emphasizing cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction with conservative approaches. The consistent outcomes observed across diverse presentations reinforce the potential for chiropractic care to be a valuable component in a comprehensive strategy for managing LBP. Clinical implications include considering chiropractic care as a frontline or adjunctive treatment option for individuals suffering from LBP. The results suggest that patients may experience substantial pain relief within relatively short treatment timeframes. Further research, particularly prospective studies with standardized outcome measures and control groups, would be beneficial to validate these findings and to explore specific technique efficacy.

Limitations

This retrospective case series presents several inherent limitations. Firstly, its retrospective design means that data were collected for clinical purposes rather than research, which may lead to inconsistencies in data recording and potential for missing information, such as consistent mobility metrics. Secondly, the study is single-site, deriving all data from Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville, which limits the generalizability of these findings to other chiropractic practices or populations. The specific techniques used were not uniformly documented, preventing an analysis of technique-specific efficacy. Thirdly, the reliance on self-reported pain scores (typically a 0-10 NRS) introduces subjectivity and potential for reporting bias. While widely used in clinical settings, these measures can be influenced by patient expectations and other psychological factors. Fourthly, the absence of a control group precludes definitive conclusions about causality, as improvement could be partially attributed to natural history or other unmeasured factors. Finally, the study is susceptible to selection bias, as patients who sought care at Spine Stop Chiropractic Brownsville may represent a group more inclined to respond positively to chiropractic interventions or to report positive outcomes.