A Survey of Chiropractors on The Effectiveness of Treatment of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Women
Loading...
Authors
Billings, Sarah M.
Damkohler, Leigh
Issue Date
2004-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Pregnancy , Low back pain , Manipulative therapy , Chiropractic , Physiotherapy
Alternative Title
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to survey chiropractors throughout the United States (five percent international) to gain insight on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment of low back pain (LBP) in pregnant women. This paper reviews the current literature concerning the treatment of LBP in pregnant women, as well as the results of the survey conducted to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment of LBP in pregnant women. BASIC PROCEDURES: A survey was developed based upon the information found in the literature, as well as the lack of information available regarding chiropractic treatment of LBP in pregnant women. The survey was mailed to 402 chiropractors both throughout the United States and internationally. The chiropractors were instructed to complete the survey and return it within a certain time frame. Two hundred and thirty-one chiropractors responded. MAIN FINDINGS: Nearly 40 percent of chiropractors surveyed stated that over 75 percent of their pregnant patients have low back pain. Chiropractic treatment of LBP in pregnant patients is considered 75-100 percent effective by those surveyed. The most common treatments used in-office for pregnant patients with LBP (PPLBP) include soft tissue/trigger point work and prone adjusting with a drop piece, while stretching and exercise ranked as the most common at-home protocols provided to these patients. The average frequency of visits for PPLBP varies greatly and is often dependent upon stage of pregnancy. Additionally, the average time required to achieve 25 percent improvement in PPLBP varies depending upon whether or not the patient had experienced LBP prior to pregnancy. Co-treatment of PPLBP with a medical doctor is uncommon, with 75 percent of those surveyed indicating they co-treat either zero percent or less than 25 percent of the time. PRINCIPLE CONCLUSION: From this study it has been determined that the majority of chiropractors responding to the survey believe that chiropractic treatment of LBP in pregnant women is effective. Further studies are needed to more specifically determine treatment plans and length of treatment for pregnant women with LBP.
Description
This thesis is being archived as a Digitized Shelf Copy for campus access to current students and staff only. We currently cannot provide this open access without the author's permission. If you are the author of this work and desire to provide it open access or wish access removed please contact the Wahlstrom Library to discuss permission.
Citation
S.M. Billings, L. Damkohler, "A Survey of Chiropractors on The Effectiveness of Treatment of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Women", D.C. thesis, College of Chiropractic, Univ. of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, 2004.