Case-series · July 29, 2026

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

Abstract

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a widespread health concern, significantly impacting quality of life and productivity. Conventional treatments often include medication, which may not address underlying causes. Methods: This retrospective case series analyzed de-identified patient data from Spine Stop Chiropractic Glasgow (Glasgow, KY), examining outcomes for 106 individuals presenting with lower back pain. Data included self-reported initial and final pain scores, enabling calculation of pain reduction percentages. Results: The aggregate data from 106 patients demonstrated a mean pain reduction of 88% (median 88%). Illustrative cases included a patient with chronic LBP achieving significant relief after years of medication-focused solutions, a 45-54-year-old with chronic LBP and radiating leg symptoms experiencing 93% pain reduction over 8 weeks, and a 35-44-year-old with LBP limiting daily activities achieving 87% pain reduction in 6 weeks. Another patient with acute LBP after a lifting injury achieved 100% pain reduction in 3 months. Conclusions: Chiropractic care at Spine Stop Chiropractic Glasgow appears to be associated with substantial pain reduction in patients presenting with lower back pain. These findings suggest a potential role for chiropractic interventions in managing LBP, warranting further prospective research.

Methods

This study is a retrospective case series analyzing de-identified patient outcome data collected from Spine Stop Chiropractic Glasgow, located in Glasgow, KY, and led by Dr. Grant Watkins, D.C. The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic care for patients presenting with lower back pain. The study included outcomes from 106 consecutive patients who sought care for lower back pain at the clinic. Inclusion criteria for this analysis comprised all patients whose outcomes for lower back pain had been verified and recorded at the practice. The key metric captured for each patient was self-reported pain levels, typically assessed on a numerical rating scale (0-10, where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst possible pain). Initial pain levels were recorded at the commencement of care, and final pain levels were recorded at the conclusion of a treatment phase or at a significant follow-up point. From these measurements, the percentage of pain reduction was calculated for each patient. Mobility improvement was not consistently tracked across all cases and thus could not be reported as an aggregate metric. Due to the retrospective and de-identified nature of the data, specific treatment protocols employed for individual patients were not uniformly detailed. The data represents real-world clinical outcomes from a single chiropractic practice. Limitations include the retrospective design, which is subject to selection bias inherent in clinical practice, reliance on self-reported pain scores, absence of a control group, and the single-site nature of the data, which may limit generalizability.

Discussion

The outcomes presented in this retrospective case series suggest that chiropractic care at Spine Stop Chiropractic Glasgow is associated with substantial improvements in lower back pain for a diverse patient population. An overall mean pain reduction of 88% (median 88%) across 106 patients indicates a high level of patient satisfaction regarding pain relief. This finding aligns with general clinical expectations that many patients respond positively to conservative care for lower back pain. Many individuals seeking chiropractic care often do so after conventional medical treatments, such as medication, have proven insufficient or have failed to address the root cause of their discomfort, as evidenced by Case 1. The documented ability to achieve high percentages of pain reduction, like the 93% seen in Case 2 or the 87% in Case 3, in relatively short timeframes (e.g., 6-8 weeks) underscores the potential efficacy of chiropractic interventions in managing both chronic and acute presentations of LBP. The complete resolution of pain in cases such as Case 4 and Case 10, particularly for acute injuries or pain affecting sleep quality, highlights the potential for significant recovery and improved quality of life. These results suggest that chiropractic care can be a viable and effective option for patients experiencing lower back pain, offering an alternative to long-term medication use or more invasive procedures. Clinically, these findings imply that chiropractic services can play a crucial role in integrated healthcare models for musculoskeletal conditions, potentially reducing reliance on pharmacotherapy and improving functional outcomes. The consistent high percentages of pain reduction across various patient demographics and pain profiles further support the continued exploration of chiropractic care in LBP management.

Limitations

This study is subject to several important limitations inherent to its retrospective case series design. Firstly, the retrospective nature means data were collected for clinical purposes, not research, potentially leading to inconsistencies in data collection and reporting. Secondly, as a single-site study conducted at Spine Stop Chiropractic Glasgow, the generalizability of these findings to other chiropractic practices or broader populations may be limited. The outcomes are specific to the protocols and patient population of this particular clinic. Thirdly, the measurements relied heavily on self-reported pain scores, which, although widely used, are subjective and can be influenced by individual pain tolerance and psychological factors. There was also an absence of consistent mobility metrics, which would provide a more comprehensive picture of functional improvement. Fourthly, the lack of a control group prevents direct comparison with other treatment modalities or no treatment, making it difficult to definitively attribute outcomes solely to chiropractic care. Finally, the study is prone to selection bias, as patients chose to seek chiropractic care, and those who experienced positive outcomes might be more likely to have their results documented as case studies. These limitations suggest that while the findings are promising, they should be interpreted with caution and serve as preliminary data for future, more robust research.