Case Study: Finding Relief and Unexpected Benefits with Chiropractic Care

Here at OWL Chiropractic in Lancaster, PA, we're passionate about helping our patients achieve optimal health and well-being. We believe that chiropractic care goes beyond just addressing pain; it's about unlocking your body's innate healing potential. Today, I am excited to share a case study that highlights this very principle.

A male in his mid-20’s initially came to OWL Chiropractic seeking relief from persistent low back pain and mid back pain. Like many individuals in Lancaster, PA experiencing musculoskeletal issues, he was looking for a natural and effective solution. During his initial consultation, the patient also reported a history of high blood pressure that seemed to be exacerbated by caffeine consumption. 

After reviewing his information and developing a personalized care plan, we began treatment with a focus on gently and precisely correcting spinal misalignments (aka subluxations) that were contributing to his back pain and impacting the function of his nervous system. After just 12 adjustments over an 8-week period, the patient reported significant improvement in his low back pain and mid back pain and a greater desire to exercise. 

We also updated his X-rays, which showed positive changes in his spinal alignment and range of motion. His cervical curve improved along with his ability to look up and down with improved biomechanics. We also saw a reduction in his forward head posture from 1.01 inches to 0.20 inches, which takes 8 pounds of extra pressure off of his brainstem and spinal cord. 

In the lumbar spine, we saw his sacrum align closer to the center and a decrease in scoliosis from 15.8 to 13.5 degrees. We did see an increase in his iliac crest (or pelvic) balance, however, this is something we typically see early in the process of correcting the entire spine. In time, as we continue to correct the spine, we will see his pelvis continue to correct and move back towards balance. (See how the neck and low back are connected here.)

The patient also reported one positive change that he hadn’t expected - the ability to drink coffee without it raising his blood pressure! Does this seem far-fetched or unrelated? Remember, Chiropractic is about improving the function of the nervous system, or the system that controls everything in your body. When we remove subluxations and improve the structure of the spine, we are allowing the body to operate better. In this specific case, a better functioning body will be able to better handle the intake of caffeine without it deregulating blood pressure.

We can clearly see a better functioning body in this case by looking at the changes in this patient’s infrared thermography scans. (Learn more about the importance of infrared thermal scans here.)

Due to these subjective and objective changes, we will be changing some of the types of adjustments the patient receives, as well as spacing out his care to one adjustment every two weeks. The patient has also been given specific exercises and stretches he can do to help create more strength and stability in his body to help hold these adjustments and keep the structural correction in his spine. At visit 33, we will perform another comprehensive spinal evaluation and update his x-rays again to make any suggestions for continued care from there.

This case study is a testament to the power of consistent and targeted chiropractic care, as well as the profound interconnectedness of the human body. It demonstrates how addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal issues through chiropractic can lead to not only pain relief but also unexpected improvements in other aspects of health.

If you're experiencing back pain, neck pain, or are simply looking to optimize your overall well-being, we encourage you to explore the benefits of chiropractic care at OWL Chiropractic in Lancaster, PA. Like this patient, you might discover the profound impact of restoring proper spinal alignment on your overall health journey.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you!