Abstract:
Objective: To discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and co-management of a patient who presented in a chiropractic office with post-traumatic lower-back pain and an incidental finding of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Clinical Features: A 56-year-old male patient presented with pain and spasm in his lower back. Plain film radiographs revealed loss of the normal lumbar lordosis with mild degenerative spondylosis of the lumbar spine. Also noted was the presence of a large calcific abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring approximately 6 cm, along with calcification of the common iliac arteries. Intervention and Outcome: Successful endovascular repair of the patient’s abdominal aortic aneurysm and conservative chiropractic management provided resolution of his lower-back pain and prevented a possible hemorrhagic event. Conclusion: We discuss in this case study the importance of accurate clinical diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm, appropriate referral to a surgeon, medically necessary co-management with a chiropractic intervention, and the resolution of a painful lower-back disorder.