Every so often we like to share notes from an actual patient case so you get a real sense of how Chiropractic care looks inside our clinic. This one is a 74 year old woman who has been under care with us since 2014.
Presenting complaint
She came in this morning stiff and sore all over, and walking with real difficulty. She tends to wait until she is pretty limited before booking, so by the time we see her she often needs a decent reset.
What the assessment showed
We checked her full spine. The pelvis was locked on both sides. Mid back had a couple of areas that were quite jammed. Neck was a bit stiff. Same spots she usually presents with. Her ankles and shoulders were also tight, so we noted those too even though they were not the main complaint.
The clinical thinking
At 74, on ongoing care since 2014, we know her spine well. Some degenerative change is present, which is normal at this age. Chiropractic care does not reverse degeneration. What we can do is keep the joints moving, ease the symptoms that come with it, and help slow the progression. That is the honest reason someone at this stage of life keeps coming in for care rather than only when they hit crisis point.
Care plan today
Soft tissue work first, then manual adjustments through the pelvis on both sides, the mid back and the neck. A couple of small adjustments through the ankles and shoulders as well. Home advice was heat and a short walk on the way out to keep things settled.
How she is now
She walked out a lot better. We booked her for a follow-up this week or next, depending on how she pulls up.
Rebates at the counter
She is a Bupa member. As a Bupa Member First Provider our rebate through her cover was $59.05 on a $63 pensioner rate adjustment. She paid a $3.95 gap in cash. Rebate came through instantly on the TYRO terminal, no paperwork to chase later.
If you are still deciding
If you are helping an older parent stay mobile, or you are wondering whether ongoing care makes sense at your stage of life, that is exactly the conversation an initial consultation is for. We will assess honestly and tell you what care would actually look like. Book an initial consultation.
Patient name has been changed. Individual results vary. This case study is shared for educational purposes and does not constitute a clinical recommendation for anyone else.
Frequently asked questions
What does maintenance chiropractic care actually involve?
Maintenance care is less frequent (typically monthly or every few weeks) and focuses on keeping joints moving, catching tightness early, and slowing age-related change. It is not treating a specific pain, it is prevention and function support.
Can chiropractic help spinal degeneration?
Chiropractic cannot reverse degenerative change. It can keep the surrounding joints moving, ease symptoms, and support function. Regular maintenance care is often how long-term patients manage degenerative wear.
Related patient cases
- Patient case: 12 visit progress exam for a tall patient with lower back pain
A 51 year old patient hit his 12 visit progress exam today after starting care in June. Here is what the formal progress check looks like. - Patient case: upper back pain, headaches and long-standing scoliosis in a 25 year old
A 25 year old woman came to us with upper back pain, recurring headaches and a lifelong scoliosis. Here is how the first five visits have gone. - Patient case: pelvic joint pain in a 66 year old traveller
A 66 year old patient came in for a pre-flight check after left pelvic joint pain the week before. Here is what we did and why pelvic joints tend to lock up on long travel.
Add Comment