Objective: To chronicle the resolution of lower limb neuropathy and improvements in physical functioning in a 18-year-old male cricketer receiving Torque Release Technique (TRT) and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (ACMT) for the assessment and correction of vertebral subluxation.
Clinical Features: An 18-year-old male sought care for a 2-year history of low back, leg and foot pain, and associated neuropathy. Previous management included 13 months of physical therapy, with progressively worsening symptoms. Postural alterations, reduction in cervical and lumbar ranges of motion (ROM), altered thermographic and surface electromyographic (sEMG) studies, and decreased left great toe dorsiflexion strength were found in conjunction with vertebral subluxation throughout the spine.
Intervention and Outcomes: Chiropractic care using TRT and AMCT protocols was provided for the correction of vertebral subluxation. Subjective improvement in peripheral neuropathy symptoms and self-reported improvements in physical functioning and quality of life was found. Objective improvements included postural, cervical and lumbar ROM, myotomal testing, indicators of vertebral subluxation, thermography and sEMG.
Conclusion: A course of chiropractic care, using TRT and AMCT for the correction of vertebral subluxation, was associated with the resolution of chronic lower limb neuropathy and improvements in physical functioning and quality of life. More research is needed to investigate the role chiropractors may play in helping similar patients, and informing clinical practice and future higher-level research designs.
Author keywords: Peripheral Neuropathy; Chiropractic; Range of Motion; Vertebral Subluxation; Physical Functioning; Quality of Life
Author affiliations: DR: Private Practice, Auckland, New Zealand; MD: Private Practice, Brisbane, Australia
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