Christopher M. Coulis, DC, MS
Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2013, Pages 168–175

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this case series is to describe chiropractic care including spinal manipulation for 3 patients with postsurgical spine pain.

Clinical features
Three patients with postsurgical spine pain (1 cervical fusion, 1 lumbar discectomy, and 1 lumbar laminectomy) presented for chiropractic treatment at a major US medical center. Treatment included spinal manipulation and/or flexion-distraction mobilization based on patient response to joint loading strategies.

Intervention and outcomes
Two patients were treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation; and 1 patient was treated with flexion-distraction mobilization. Treatment frequency and duration were 4 treatments over 4 weeks for case 1, 17 treatments over 7 years for case 2, and 5 treatments over 5 weeks for case 3. Subjective improvement was noted using numeric pain scores and functional changes; and upon completion, the patients reported being “satisfied” with their overall outcome. One episode of transient benign soreness was noted by 1 patient. No additional adverse events or effects were noted.

Conclusion
In these 3 cases, patients with postsurgical spine pain responded positively to chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation/mobilization was tolerated without significant adverse effects.

Journal Article:  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1556370713002228