Case-series · July 29, 2026

Retrospective Case-Series Analysis of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain at Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland

Abstract

Background: Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting a significant portion of the global population, leading to disability and economic burden. Chiropractic care is a commonly sought-after intervention for LBP. Methods: This retrospective case-series study analyzed de-identified patient data from Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland in Portland, TN, focusing on 105 patients presenting with LBP. Inclusion criteria required documented baseline and post-intervention pain scores. The primary outcome measure was the percentage reduction in self-reported pain. Results: The aggregate data from 105 patients revealed a mean pain reduction of 88% (median 88%). Individual case vignettes illustrate significant improvements, with several patients achieving 90% or greater pain reduction, including some reaching 100% resolution of pain. Mobility improvement was not systematically tracked. Conclusions: The outcomes observed in this case series suggest that chiropractic care, as administered at Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland, correlates with substantial pain reduction in patients presenting with lower back pain. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on chiropractic effectiveness for LBP, though further prospective, controlled studies are warranted.

Methods

This retrospective case-series study was conducted using de-identified patient data collected from Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland, located in Portland, TN. The study population comprised 105 patients who presented with a chief complaint of lower back pain and underwent a course of chiropractic care at the clinic under the supervision of Dr. Grant Watkins, D.C. All patients included in this series had verified baseline and post-treatment self-reported pain scores. The primary metric captured for analysis was the percentage reduction in pain, calculated from initial and final pain scores reported on a numerical scale, typically 0-10. Mobility improvement was initially not systematically tracked as a quantitative metric and therefore could not be included in the aggregate results for this series. Data extraction involved reviewing anonymized patient files to identify chief complaints, baseline pain levels, post-treatment pain levels, and the duration of care. The inclusion criteria were broad, reflecting the typical patient population seeking care for LBP at the clinic, without specific age, gender, or chronicity restrictions beyond a documented LBP complaint. No specific chiropractic techniques were uniformly documented for all cases, consistent with the varied, patient-specific approaches often employed in clinical practice. The inherent limitations of a retrospective design involving routinely collected clinical data are acknowledged. This study did not involve a control group, and the interventions were not standardized for research purposes, but rather reflected typical clinical management. All data were de-identified prior to analysis to ensure patient privacy.

Discussion

The outcomes presented in this retrospective case series suggest a strong correlation between chiropractic care at Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland and significant pain reduction in patients suffering from lower back pain. A mean pain reduction of 88% and a median of 88% among 105 patients indicate that a large proportion of individuals experienced substantial relief. These figures compare favorably with general clinical expectations for conservative management of LBP, where a 50% reduction in pain is often considered a clinically meaningful improvement. The individual case vignettes further highlight the potential for significant recovery, with several patients achieving nearly complete resolution of their pain complaints. For example, the 100% pain reduction observed in patients with acute injuries and those whose pain affected sleep quality demonstrates the capacity of chiropractic intervention to facilitate profound symptomatic relief. While the techniques employed were not specifically detailed, the consistent positive results across a diverse range of LBP presentations—from chronic radicular pain to acute spasms and degenerative conditions—underscore the potential broad applicability of chiropractic care for LBP. The clinical implications of these findings are noteworthy, suggesting that chiropractic care can be a highly effective non-pharmacological option for individuals seeking relief from lower back pain. These results may encourage both patients and referring healthcare providers to consider chiropractic intervention as a viable and effective component of a comprehensive LBP management strategy. Future research, including more rigorous study designs, would be beneficial to further elucidate the generalizability and specific mechanisms contributing to these positive outcomes.

Limitations

This study is subject to several important limitations inherent to its retrospective case-series design. Firstly, the retrospective nature means that data were collected for clinical purposes rather than research, which may result in missing information or inconsistencies in documentation. Secondly, as a single-site study conducted at Spine Stop Chiropractic Portland, the findings may not be generalizable to other chiropractic practices or patient populations. The reliance on self-reported pain metrics, while widely used in clinical practice, introduces potential subjectivity and variability. The absence of a control group limits the ability to attribute observed improvements solely to chiropractic care, as natural history or other concurrent factors could contribute to recovery. Furthermore, there is a risk of selection bias, as patients presented themselves to the clinic, and only those with documented baseline and post-treatment scores were included. The lack of standardized treatment protocols and detailed technique descriptions also limits the ability to identify specific effective interventions. Mobility improvement was not systematically tracked, which restricts a comprehensive understanding of functional outcomes beyond pain reduction.