Chiropractic Care Plans for Common Low Back Conditions
Chiropractic Care Plans for Common Low Back Conditions
SOURCE: Chiropractic Technique 1993 (Aug); 5 (3): 119-125
by Robert D. Mootz, D.C. and V. Thomas Waldorf, D.C.
Our thanks to Robert D. Mootz, D.C. and to Dana Lawrence, D.C., the editor of Chiropractic Technique, for permission to reprint this FULL-TEXT article article, and its extensive collection of Care Plans, exclusively at Chiro.Org
A detailed description of chiropractic care parameters used at a large occupational medicine center is presented. The algorithms were derived from clinical needs of the facility, expert opinion, and reviews of several contemporary written protocols. Twelve of the most common industrially related low back conditions are included. The algorithms are grouped according to nondiscogenic and discogenic conditions. The guidelines are consistent with many third party chiropractic review policies, as well as the recently published Chiropractic Quality Assurance Guidelines and Practice Parameters. The first algorithm is based on uncomplicated joint dysfunction, and is considered the base algorithm. Other, more complicated conditions follow, and a preface is included for each describing specific issues relevant to each condition. The purpose of these algorithms was to help standardize care in the clinic, to foster interdisciplinary communication, and to provide consistency in administration for research purposes.
Occupational Low back injuries make up a major component of industrial expenditures in the United States. [1] A number of retrospective studies have suggested that conservative chiropractic management may be more cost effective than other approaches. [2-3] Although a number of general practice guidelines have been developed [4-6], none have (yet) provided “condition specific” guidelines. (more…)