Abstract
Neck pain (NP) is a leading cause of disability and can be a consequence of failed cervical spine surgeries. Articles showing successful conservative therapies after a failed surgery in the cervical spine are very rare. A 26-year-old male reported six years of worsening and disabling NP. The short-form 36-question health status questionnaire revealed a decrease in quality-of-life scores, with a physical component score (PCS) of 25.2 and a mental component score (MCS) of 29.9, compared to the normal scores of 46.8 and 52.8, respectively. Grip strength measured 36.7 kg on the left and 37.1 kg on the right (normal range: 45-52 kg). Radiography revealed cervical hypolordosis (absolute rotation angle, ARA, C2-C7) and anterior head translation (T(z) C2-C7) measuring -14.6° and 20.6 mm (ideal is -42° and 0 mm). Chiropractic BioPhysics(®) (CBP(®)) (CBP Non-Profit, Inc., Eagle, ID) spinal rehabilitation sessions were administered involving Mirror Image(® )(CBP Non-Profit, Inc.) spinal exercises, traction, and adjustments to correct cervical spinal alignment. Following 30 treatments over nine weeks, the patient reported near-resolution of initial symptoms, discontinued pain medications, and improved quality of life. Posttreatment outcomes included the following: improvement in PCS (45.6) and MCS (37.1), normalized grip strength on the left (45.3 kg) and right (49.4 kg), and improvement in ARA C2-C7 (30.1°) and T(z) C2-C7 (15.6 mm). After six months without treatment, a follow-up examination showed sustained improvements in symptoms and outcome measures, including ARA C2-C7 (30.9°) and T(z) C2-C7 (10.6 mm). Failed cervical spine surgeries and persistent spine pain syndrome can occur with devastating consequences. CBP(®) may be an effective, conservative approach to help improve pain and disability in patients with poor surgical outcomes and abnormal spinal alignment.