CASE STUDY:

            A 55-year-old man reported neck pain and radiating pain down both arms following an unsuccessful surgery.

            The patient was a highway patrolman, who injured himself while responding to an auto accident during an ice storm; he slipped while getting out of the car and landed on his upper back and neck.  Shortly after the accident he began to experience episodes of pain in his neck.

            Two months after the accident, his medical doctor referred him to a neurologist.  While having the neurological exam, the patient experienced a seizure and was subsequently diagnosed as having a tumor of the adrenal gland.

            Weeks later, the patient had surgery to remove the tumor.  Following the surgery, he experienced temporary relief from pain, but soon after reported recurring “sharp” pain in his neck, along with pain, numbness and tingling in both of his arms.

            The patient’s condition worsened over the next six to seven months, was referred to a neurosurgeon, and eventually neck surgery and disc removal was performed.

            Three years after the surgery the patient was still experiencing pain and began Chiropractic care.

            Following his first adjustment, the patient reported a 50% increase in his ability to raise his left arm and relief of pain in both his neck and his arms.

            Within two weeks of care the patient could fully abduct his arm and loop his belt to his pants.  After one year of Chiropractic care he was able to do various jobs on his ranch, and the only problems experienced were due to over-activity.

SOURCE: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, September 2001; www.chiropracticresearch.org.