Chiropractic distractive decompression in the treatment of pelvic pain and organic dysfunction in patients with evidence of lower sacral nerve root compression.

Chiropractic theory postulates that organic dysfunction could be the result of neurological disorganization secondary to mechanical disorders of the spine. Few studies have documented the efficacy of chiropractic manipulative therapy in treating mechanically induced organic dysfunction. Lower sacral nerve root compression (LSNRC) as the result of lumbar disc lesion has been identified as a cause of pelvic pain and organic dysfunction (PPOD). Ten cases of PPOD with accompanying evidence of LSNRC in patients with low back pain as a result of a clinically established lumbar disc lesion are presented with symptomatology prior to and following treatment with distractive decompressive manipulation. A report of one of the cases is detailed. LSNRC is often overlooked as a cause of PPOD. Recognition of associated symptomatology in patients with evidence of LSNRC and confirmation through pain provocation examination is emphasized. Chiropractic distractive decompression may be effective in treating PPOD in patients with evidence of LSNRC as a result of a clinically established lumbar disc lesion.