Management of U.S. Veterans presenting with axial spondyloarthritis to a chiropractic clinic: a case series.

BACKGROUND

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an immune-mediated condition characterized by signs and symptoms of inflammatory back pain (IBP) affecting the spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints, peripheral arthralgia, enthesitis, and systemic extra-articular complications. While chiropractic treatment is effective for chronic mechanical low back pain, evidence is limited for management of patients with axSpA. This report describes the chiropractic management of three U.S. Veterans with chronic spine pain and axSpA.

CASE PRESENTATION: All patients were co-managed with rheumatology, and each presented at different points of disease progression. All three cases improved in terms of pain, function, or quality of life. No adverse events were reported.

SUMMARY: Patients with axSpA pursue chiropractic services, but the role of chiropractors in the management of patients with axSpA is unclear. This report outlines the experiences of three patients treated in a VA chiropractic clinic. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic treatment of individuals with axSpA.