Chiropractic Management for US Female Veterans With Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Outcomes

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine if female US veterans had clinically significant improvement in low back pain after chiropractic management. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of 70 courses of care for female veterans with a chief complaint of low back pain who received chiropractic management through the VA Western New York Healthcare System in Buffalo, New York. A paired t test was used to compare baseline and discharge outcomes for the Back Bournemouth Questionnaire. The minimum clinically important difference was set as a 30% improvement in the outcome measure from baseline to discharge. Results The average patient was 44.8 years old, overweight (body mass index 29.1 kg/m²), and white (86%). The mean number of chiropractic treatments was 7.9. Statistical significance was found for the Back Bournemouth Questionnaire outcomes. The mean raw score improvement was 12.4 points (P <.001), representing a 27.3% change from baseline with 47% of courses of care meeting or exceeding the minimum clinically important difference. Conclusion For our sample of female veterans with low back pain, clinical outcomes from baseline to discharge improved under chiropractic care. Although further research is warranted, chiropractic care may be of value in contributing to the pain management needs of this unique patient population.