John Edwards, DC & Joel Alcantara, DC
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2017 ~ Issue 1 ~ Pages 32-39
Abstract
Objective: To describe the care of a pregnant patient with Harrington Rod insertions due to scoliosis.
Clinical Features: The patient was a 28-year-old Caucasian woman at 21 weeks gestation presenting with shoulder and neck pain secondary to scoliosis and pregnancy-related musculoskeletal complaints. Her pain complaint was constant and rated at 6/10 on the numeric rating scale for pain. The patient’s surgical history 7 years prior included insertion of rods from approximately T2 to L3 vertebral bodies, with the last freely movable vertebra at T2 and L5 vertebral bodies. Subluxations were detected in the upper cervical and sacral regions and the T5 rib head.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient received care using a combination of Gonstead, Diversified and Webster Techniques utilizing Drop technique. Each visit resulted in a reduction of her pain rating by 2 points from baseline rating. After completing 13 visits over 6 weeks of care, her pain level rating reduced from 6/10 to 2/10. Her quality of life as measured by PROMIS-29 improved compared to baseline except in the post-partum period. She delivered a 7 lbs., 5 oz, 20” baby vaginally.
Conclusion: This case report provides supporting evidence on the effectiveness of chiropractic care throughout pregnancy and in particular, pregnant women with surgical rods to address scoliosis.
Key Words:Scoliosis, Harrington Rods, pregnancy, adjustment, vertebral subluxation, Webster Technique
