Hasil untuk "Chiropractic"

Liao H, Lou L

Haiyan Liao, Lihua Lou Department of Chiropractic, Guangfu Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Haiyan Liao, Email yspv840@163.comObjective: To explore the application effect of a nursing model based on safety risk defense mechanism management in operating room nursing and its impact on nursing quality and the occurrence of risk incidents.Methods: From November 2022 to December 2023, 200 patients who underwent surgical treatment and received nursing care in the operating room of our hospital were selected as research subjects. During this period, the nursing model in our hospital’s operating room was changed. Based on the time differences, the patients were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 100 cases in each group. The control group adopted the previous conventional nursing model, while the observation group adopted the nursing model based on safety risk defense mechanism management. The nursing quality scores and the occurrence of risk incidents were compared between the two groups.Results: The nursing quality scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group, P< 0.05. The management effect of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group, with higher satisfaction and lower complaint rates, P< 0.05. The occurrence rate of risk incidents in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, P< 0.05. The scores in various aspects of risk control in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, P< 0.05.Conclusion: The nursing model based on safety risk defense mechanism management can significantly improve the quality of operating room nursing, reduce the occurrence of nursing risk incidents, and enhance patient satisfaction. It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.Keywords: safety risk defense mechanism management, nursing, model, operating room nursing, application, nursing quality, risk incidents

Amy Lynn Baxter, Amy Lynn Baxter, Jena L. Etnoyer-Slaski et al.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Up to half of moderate-to-severe acute LBP (aLBP) progress to chronic (cLBP), with neuromotor, fascial, and muscle pathology contributing to inoperable mechanical disability. A novel thermomechanical stimulation (M-Stim) device delivering stochastic and targeted vibration frequencies relieved LBP in a pilot. Efficacy versus an active control, for cLBP prevention, or reversing disability was undetermined.MethodsAs part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 159 chiropractic patients with non-radiating moderate-to-severe LBP [Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) ≥4] were randomized to add either the multimodal M-Stim device or 4-lead transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 30 minutes daily to other therapies. Between June 2022 and July 2024, pain scores, analgesic use, and device adherence were recorded for 28 days, with weekly follow-up up to 6 months. Primary outcomes included PROMIS Pain Interference scores, NRS pain scores, and transition from aLBP to cLBP (Pain Interference ≥55 at 3 months). Exploratory analyses examined higher-severity subgroups, including those meeting NIH Research Task Force (RTF) criteria, obesity, longer pain duration, and an integrated analysis with common criteria for intractable inoperable mechanical cLBP.ResultsFor 44 aLBP and 115 cLBP participants [mean age 42.6, 54% female, BMI 30.9 (SD 6.19), NRS 5.51 (SD 2.15)], M-Stim was noninferior to TENS for initial and 10-day relief. Over time, Linear Mixed Models (intention-to-treat) showed M-Stim significantly improved pain and disability for both aLBP and cLBP, (p < .001 to p = .024). With higher severity, 23.9% (11/46) M-Stim users reached “no disability” (PROMIS = 40.7) vs. 7.1% (2/28) TENS users [RR 0.81 (95% CI 0.66–0.99), p = 0.04]. M-Stim yielded significantly greater improvement than TENS in those with pain ≥5 years, BMI ≥30, or mechanical cLBP (all p < .05). Significantly fewer aLBP M-Stim users transitioned to cLBP at 3 months [31.8% vs. 72.7%, RR 0.44 (95% CI 0.23–0.85), NNT = 2.4, p = 0.015].ConclusionsA multimodal M-Stim device reduced progression to cLBP significantly more than TENS. Both devices reduced pain initially, but M-Stim reduced pain and disability significantly more over time, particularly in cLBP subsets with higher severity, duration, or BMI. Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04494698, identifier NCT04494698.

Alessandro Mauro, Donatella Bagagiolo, Michela Persiani et al.

Introduction Non-pharmacological interventions, including musculoskeletal manipulations (MMs), have been proven effective for musculoskeletal disorders.Objectives To evaluate if MMs, including osteopathic manipulation and chiropractic care, are effective to improve quality of life, pain intensity and function in older adults with musculoskeletal disorders.Design Systematic review.Data sources A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, from database inception up to 2 January 2025.Eligibility criteria Randomised controlled trials, controlled non-randomised trials and open label trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of MM such as osteopathic manipulation, chiropractic manipulation, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapies in older people (age ≥65 years) with musculoskeletal disorders. The main outcomes included pain intensity, functionality and quality of life. Additionally, other related outcomes were considered, such as medical use duration, mood, mobility, motion, strength and endurance. Finally, we considered any adverse events.Data extraction and synthesis Selection and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. The effect estimates for each study were performed using Review Manager V.5.14. Continuous outcomes were analysed using the mean difference (95% CI). The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2 (RoB 2). No meta-analysis was performed.Results Five parallel randomised controlled trials were included, with a total sample size of 676 participants (41.6% women with a mean age of 77.3 years): 34 with chronic pain, 265 with neck pain and 377 with low back pain. MMs were not effective in patients with chronic pain, neither in pain intensity nor in functionality. For neck pain, considering the main outcomes, only in one of the two studies was there a statistically significant improvement in neck pain intensity only at week 12 for spinal manipulative treatment (SMT)+home exercise (HE) compared with HE alone (ES=–0.90 (95% CI –1.46 to –0.34); p=0.002). For low back pain, SMT+HE showed a statistically significant reduction in pain at 12 weeks compared with HE (ES=−0.79 (95% CI −1.39 to –0.19) p=0.010. For neck pain and low back pain, no statistically significant improvement in functional status and quality of life was observed with MM compared with any control group. RoB 2 showed a high risk of bias in three studies and some concerns in the others. At the domain level, the lowest risk was observed in the randomisation process (80% with some concerns). All five studies reported adverse events, none of which were serious.Conclusions This review provides limited and inconclusive evidence about MM to improve quality of life, pain management and functional status in older adults with musculoskeletal disorders. However, MM appears to be generally safe and well-tolerated.PROSPERO registration number CRD42023473203.

Evert Verhagen, Yorgi Mavros, Lars Donath et al.

Dave Newell PhD, Michelle M Holmes PhD

Despite numerous studies that measure satisfaction in patients undergoing chiropractic care, these have not yet been systematically summarized. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of existing literature to identify factors that contribute to high levels of satisfaction in chiropractic care. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies exploring patient experience with chiropractic care. Forty-three studies were included in the review. The findings showed that patient satisfaction was consistently high in comparison to other professions. The review identified key factors that contribute to patient experience, which were not limited to clinical outcomes, but also the clinical interaction and clinician attributes. The findings of this review provide a core insight into patient experience, identifying both positive and negative experiences not just within chiropractic care but in the wider healthcare sector. Further work should explore factors that impact patient satisfaction and how this understanding may further improve healthcare to enhance patient experience.

Jérémie Mikhail, Martha Funabashi, Stéphane Sobczak et al.

Abstract Background Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) clinical effects are believed to be linked to its force–time profile characteristics. Previous studies have revealed that the force measured at the patient-table interface is most commonly greater than the one applied at the clinician-patient interface. The factors explaining this force amplification remains unclear. Objective To determine the difference between the force applied to a cadaveric specimen’s thoracic spine and the resulting force measured by a force-sensing table, as well as to evaluate the relationship between this difference and both the SMT force–time characteristics and the specimens’ characteristics. Methods Twenty-five SMTs with different force–time profiles were delivered by an apparatus at the T7 vertebra of nine human cadaveric specimens lying prone on a treatment table equipped with a force plate. The difference between the force applied by the apparatus and the resulting force measured by the force plate was calculated in absolute force (Fdiff) and as the percentage of the applied force (Fdiff%). Kinematics markers were inserted into T6 to T8 spinous and transverse processes to evaluate vertebral displacements during the SMT thrusts. Mixed-effects linear models were run to evaluate the variance in Fdiff and Fdiff% explained by SMT characteristics (peak force, thrust duration and force application rate), T6 to T8 relative and total displacements, and specimens’ characteristics (BMI, height, weight, kyphosis angle, thoracic thickness). Results Sixty percent of the trials showed lower force measured at the force plate than the one applied at T7. Fdiff¸ was significantly predicted (R2 marginal = 0.54) by peak force, thrust duration, thoracic thickness and T6–T7 relative displacement in the z-axis (postero-anterior). Fdiff% was significantly predicted (R2 marginal = 0.56) by force application rate, thoracic thickness and total T6 displacements. For both dependant variables, thoracic thickness showed the highest R2 marginal out of all predictors. Conclusion Difference in force between the clinician-patient and the patient-table interfaces is influenced by SMT force–time characteristics and by thoracic thickness. How these differences in force are associated with vertebral displacements remains unclear. Although further studies are needed, clinicians should consider thorax thickness as a possible modulator of forces being transmitted through it during prone SMT procedures.

Ashalya Pirthiraj, Raisuyah Bhagwan

Background: Migraines are one of the leading causes of disability globally and in South Africa. There is a paucity of local empirical literature regarding the psychosocial impact of migraines on women. Although there are a variety of treatment approaches, many women prefer alternative and holistic treatment for their migraines. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of migraines on women and their use of complementary and alternative therapies for migraine pain management. Setting: The study was conducted in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: The study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Theme 1 related to the psychological and cognitive effects experienced by the participants. Theme 2 focused on the effects migraines had on personal, family and social relationships. Theme 3 discussed the self-management of migraines. Conclusion: The pertinent psychological effects of migraines were depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and withdrawal, fear-avoidance behaviour, lifestyle changes, and acceptance of migraines. The participants experienced a lack of understanding about their migraine severity from co-workers, family and social networks. The alternative therapies that were sought to alleviate migraine symptoms included chiropractic, massage, meditation, reflexology, yoga, cupping and acupuncture. Contribution: The awareness of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapies for women may be beneficial for healthcare providers seeking a multidisciplinary approach to migraine management.

Anders Hansen, Lars Morsø, Mette Jensen Stochkendahl et al.

AbstractObjective To describe and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with acute or chronic low back pain across all health care settings treating this condition.Design and setting: Concurrent prospective survey registration of all consecutive consultations regarding low back pain at general practitioners, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and the secondary care spine centre in Southern Denmark.Subjects Patients ≥16 years of age with low back pain.Main outcome measure Demographic characteristics, symptoms, and clinical findings were registered and descriptively analysed. Pearson’s chi-square tested differences between the populations in the four settings. Multiple logistic regression assessed the odds of consulting specific settings, and t-test assessed differences between patients attending for a first and later consultation.Results Thirty-six general practitioners, 44 chiropractors, 74 physiotherapists, and 35 secondary care Spine Centre personnel provided information on 5645 consultations, including 1462 first-visit consultations. The patients differed significantly across the settings. Patients at the Spine Centre had the most severe symptoms and signs and were most often on sick leave. Compared to the other populations, the chiropractor population was younger, whereas the physiotherapist population was older, more often females, and had prolonged symptoms. In general practice, first-time consultations were with milder cases while patients who attended for a second or later consultation had the worst symptoms, findings, and risk of sick leave compared to the other primary care settings.Conclusion The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with low back pain differ considerably across the health care settings treating them.KEY POINTSThe study describes the symptoms and clinical findings of patients with low back pain consulting the Danish health care system in all its settings.Patients with chiropractors were youngest, while those with physiotherapists were the oldest and most frequently female.First consultations in general practice were generally with the least symptomatic patients while those returning for a subsequent consultation had more severe disease including more sick leave compared to patients in the other primary care settings.Our findings call for caution when generalizing between health care settings for patients with low back pain.

Jude A. Miller, Robert J. Trager, Patrick J. Battaglia et al.

Braden Keil, Christian Fludder

Mason Meers, Nora Egan Demers, Audra Hewett et al.

Abstract:    The use of animal models in research on human and veterinary diseases and disorders is retracting, though it is likely to remain critical for decades.  In light of increasing regulation and expectations of judicious use of animal subjects, we examine the idea that the use of animal models can be guided by phylogenetic relationships and modern evolutionary and cladistic analyses.  Given that inherited disorders, and indeed, even the developmental and physiological responses to non-inherited conditions, are subject to evolutionary forces, it follows that the observed differences in model organisms are the products of evolutionary divergence.  Understanding that divergence has the potential to elucidate which taxa are most likely to exhibit any given symptom or manifest a reaction in a broadly predictable fashion.  We examine two case studies, one the inherited disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and the other an entirely environmentally induced problem, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.  Both case studies reveal symptoms are largely congruent with phylogeny, suggesting relatively conservative evolution of developmental pathways.  It follows that it is possible to characterize the manifestation of symptoms or dysmorphologies to broad phylogenetic groups.  These data can then be used to inform research into possible treatments based on molecular genetic techniques sourced from unaffected taxa or even provide an evolutionary rationale for maximizing ethical decisions in the use and development of animal models in biomedical research.  We argue that the technique should become standard practice in the development of animal models.

Ayodele Odutayo, Bruno R. da Costa, Tiago V. Pereira et al.

Background This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in reducing the incidence of mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods and Results We conducted a Bayesian meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors with placebo. We used meta‐regression to examine the association between treatment effects and control group event rates as measures of cardiovascular baseline risk. Fifty‐three randomized controlled trials were included in our synthesis. Empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin reduced the incidence of all‐cause mortality (empagliflozin: rate ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% credibility interval [CrI], 0.63–0.97; canagliflozin: RR, 0.86; 95% CrI, 0.69–1.05; dapagliflozin: RR, 0.86; 95% CrI, 0.72–1.01) and cardiovascular mortality (empagliflozin: RR, 0.78; 95% CrI, 0.61–1.00; canagliflozin: RR, 0.83; 95% CrI, 0.63–1.05; dapagliflozin: RR, 0.88; 95% CrI, 0.71–1.08), with a 90.1% to 98.7% probability for the true RR to be <1.00 for both outcomes. There was little evidence for ertugliflozin and sotagliflozin versus placebo for reducing all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. There was no association between treatment effects for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality and the control group event rates. There was evidence for a reduction in the incidence of heart failure for empagliflozin, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and ertugliflozin versus placebo (probability RR <1.00 of ≥99.3%) and weaker, albeit positive, evidence for acute myocardial infarction for the first 3 agents (probability RR <1.00 of 89.0%–95.2%). There was little evidence of any agent except canagliflozin for reducing the incidence of stroke. Conclusions Empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin reduced the incidence of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality versus placebo. Treatment effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus placebo do not vary by baseline risk.

Sasha L. Aspinall, Angela Jacques, Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde et al.

Abstract Background People with chronic low back pain (LBP) typically have increased pain sensitivity compared to healthy controls, however its unknown if pain sensitivity differs based on LBP trajectory at baseline or after manual therapy interventions. We aimed to compare baseline pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation (TS) between people without LBP, with episodic LBP, and with persistent LBP, and to compare changes over time in PPT and TS after a lumbar spinal manipulation or sham manipulation in those with LBP. Methods Participants were aged 18–59, with or without LBP. Those with LBP were categorised as having either episodic or persistent LBP. PPT and TS were tested at baseline. LBP participants then received a lumbar spinal manipulation or sham, after which PPT and TS were re-tested three times over 30 min. Generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse data. Results One hundred participants (49 female) were included and analysed. There were 20 non-LBP participants (mean age 31 yrs), 23 episodic LBP (mean age 35 yrs), and 57 persistent LBP (mean age 37 yrs). There were no significant differences in PPT or TS between groups at baseline. There was a non-significant pattern of lower PPT (higher sensitivity) from the non-LBP group to the persistent LBP group at baseline, and high variability. Changes in PPT and TS after the interventions did not differ between the two LBP groups. Discussion We found no differences between people with no LBP, episodic LBP, or persistent LBP in baseline PPT or TS. Changes in PPT and TS following a lumbar manual therapy intervention do not appear to differ between LBP trajectories. Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered with ANZCTR ( ACTRN12617001094369 ).

Jesse Cooper, Patrick Battaglia, Todd Reiter

Abstract Background Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition usually secondary to trauma and coagulopathy. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient with an iatrogenic hypercoaguable state performing self-neck manipulation, which resulted in a spinal epidural hematoma and subsequent quadriparesis. Case presentation A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department with worsening interscapular pain radiating to his neck 1 day after performing self-manipulation of his cervical spine. He was found to be coagulopathic upon admission, secondary to chronic warfarin therapy for the management of atrial fibrillation. Approximately 48 h after the manipulation, the patient became acutely quadriparetic and hypotensive. Urgent magnetic resonance imaging revealed a multilevel spinal epidural hematoma from the lower cervical to thoracic spine. Conclusions Partial C7, complete T1 and T2, and partial T3 bilateral laminectomy was performed for evacuation of the spinal epidural hematoma. Following a 2-week course of acute inpatient rehabilitation, the patient returned to his baseline functional status. This case highlights the risks of self-manipulation of the neck and potentially other activities that significantly stretch or apply torque to the cervical spine. It also presents a clinical scenario in which practitioners of spinal manipulation therapy should be aware of patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy.

Zhuofu Liu, Jianwei Li, Meimei Liu et al.

Relative humidity (RH) at the body-seat interface is considered an important factor in both sitting comfort and generation of health concerns such as skin lesions. Technical difficulties appear to have limited research aimed at the detailed and simultaneous exploration of RH and temperature changes at the body-seat interface; using RH sensors without the capability to record temperature where RH is recorded. To explore the causes of a spike in RH consistently produced on first contact between body and seat surface, we report data from the first use of dual temperature and RH (HTU21D) sensors in this interface. Following evaluation of sensor performance, the effect of local thermal changes on RH was investigated. The expected strong negative correlation between temperature and RH (R² = &#8722;0.94) supported the importance of considering both parameters when studying impact of sitting on skin health. The influence of sensor movement speed (higher velocity approach: 0.32 cm/s &#177; 0.01 cm/s; lower velocity approach: 0.17 cm/s &#177; 0.01 cm/s) into a static RH region associated with a higher local temperature were compared with data gathered by altering the rate of a person sitting. In all cases, the faster sitting down (or equivalent) generated larger RH outcomes: e.g., in human sitting 53.7% &#177; 3.3% RH (left mid-thigh), 56.4% &#177; 5.1% RH (right mid-thigh) and 53.2% &#177; 2.7% RH (Coccyx). Differences in size of RH change were seen across the measurement locations used to study the body-seat interface. The initial sitting contact induces a transient RH response (duration &#8804; 40 s) that does not accurately reflect the microenvironment at the body-seat interface. It is likely that any movement during sitting would result in similar artefact formation. As a result, caution should be taken when investigating RH performance at any enclosed interface when the surfaces may have different temperatures and movement may occur.

Craig Moore, Andrew Leaver, David Sibbritt et al.

Abstract Background The diagnosis of primary headaches assists health care providers in their decision-making regarding patient treatment, co-management and further evaluation. Chiropractors are popular health care providers for those with primary headaches. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical management factors associated with chiropractors who report the use of primary headache diagnostic criteria. Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed between August and November 2016 to a random sample of Australian chiropractors who are members of a practice-based research network (n = 1050) who had reported ‘often’ providing treatment for patients with headache disorders to report on practitioner approaches to headache diagnosis, management, outcome measures and multidisciplinary collaboration. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess the factors that are associated with chiropractors who report using International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) primary headache diagnostic criteria. Results With a response rate of 36% (n = 381), the majority of chiropractor’s report utilising ICHD primary headache diagnostic criteria (84.6%). The factors associated with chiropractors who use ICHD primary headache diagnostic criteria resulting from the regression analysis include a belief that the use of ICHD primary headache criteria influences the management of patients with primary headaches (OR = 7.86; 95%CI: 3.15, 19.60); the use of soft tissue therapies to the neck/shoulders for tension headache management (OR = 4.33; 95%CI: 1.67, 11.19); a belief that primary headache diagnostic criteria are distinct for the diagnosis of primary headaches (OR = 3.64; 95%CI: 1.58, 8.39); the use of headache diaries (OR = 3.52; 95%CI: 1.41, 8.77); the use of ICHD criteria improves decision-making regarding primary headache patient referral/co-management (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.01, 5.47); referral to investigate a headache red-flag (OR = 2.67; 95%CI: 1.02, 6.96) and not referring headache patients to assist headache prevention (OR = 0.16; 95%CI: 0.03, 0.80). Conclusion Four out of five chiropractors managing headache are engaged in the use of primary headache diagnostic criteria. This practice is likely to influence practitioner clinical decision-making around headache patient management including their co-management with other health care providers. These findings call for a closer assessment of headache characteristics of chiropractic patient populations and for further enquiry to explore the role of chiropractors within interdisciplinary primary headache management.

Peter Jeffrey Tuchin

Craig Moore, Jon Adams, Andrew Leaver et al.

Abstract Background While the clinical role of manual therapies in migraine management is unclear, the use of chiropractors for this condition is considerable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of chiropractors who frequently manage patients with migraine. Methods A national cross-sectional survey of chiropractors collected information on practitioner characteristics, clinical management characteristics and practice settings. A secondary analysis was conducted on 1869 respondents who reported on their migraine caseload to determine the predictors associated with the frequent management of patients with migraine. Results A large proportion of chiropractors report having a high migraine caseload (HMC) (n = 990; 53.0%). The strongest factors predicting a chiropractor having a HMC include the frequent treatment of patients with axial neck pain (OR = 2.89; 95%CI: 1.18, 7.07), thoracic pain (referred/radicular) (OR = 2.52; 95%CI: 1.58, 3.21) and non-musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 3.06; 95%CI: 2.13, 4.39). Conclusions Several practice-setting and clinical management characteristics are associated with chiropractors managing a HMC. These findings raise key questions about the therapeutic approach to chiropractic migraine management that deserves further examination. There is a need for more primary research to assess the approach to headache and migraine management provided by chiropractors and to understand the prevalence, burden and comorbidities associated with migraine found within chiropractic patient populations. This information is vital in helping to inform safe, effective and coordinated care for migraine sufferers within the wider health system.

Mark W. Morningstar

Reply to: Clinical evaluation of the ability of a proprietary scoliosis traction chair to de-rotate the spine: 6-month results of Cobb angle and rotational measurements by A. Joshua Woggon, Dennis Woggon DOI: 10.4081/cp.2014.725

D. A. Martinez, R. Rupert, H. Ndetan

BackgroundDescriptive studies of chiropractic patients are not new, several have been performed in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe. None have been performed in a Latin American country. The purpose of this study is to describe the patients who visited a Mexican chiropractic college public clinic with respect to demographics and clinical characteristics.MethodsThis study was reviewed and approved by the IRB of Parker College of Chiropractic and the Universidad Estatal del Valle de Ecatepec (UNEVE). Five hundred patient files from the UNEVE public clinic from May 2005 to May 2007 were selected from an approximate total number of 3,700. Information was collected for demographics, chief complaints, associated complaints, and previous care sought.ResultsThe sample comprised 306 (61.2%) female. Most files (44.2%) were in the age range of 40–59 years (mean of 43.4 years). The most frequent complaints were lumbar pain (29.2%) and extremity pain (28.0%), most commonly the knee. Most (62.0%) described their complaints as greater than one year. Trauma (46.6%) was indicated as the initial cause. Mean VAS score was 6.26/10 with 20% rated at 8/10.ConclusionDemographic results compared closer to studies conducted with private clinicians (females within the ages of 40–59). The primary complaint and duration was similar to previous studies (low back pain and chronic), except in this population the cause was usually initiated by trauma. The most striking features were the higher number of extremity complaints and the marked increased level of VAS score (20% rated as 8/10).