Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Introduction
The aim of this study is to determine whether standard leg rubs and reassurance combined with lumbosacral manipulations have an effect on growing pain symptoms by comparing it to standard leg rubs and reassurance only. The study can possibly serve as a platform for further research. Furthermore, this will be one of the first chiropractic studies done in this
field and may provide the chiropractic profession with a proven treatment for growing
pains.
Methodology
Thirty participants with growing pains between the ages of 4 and 12 years were recruited.
The participants were placed into two groups of fifteen participants each on a first come
first serve basis. The two groups received different treatment protocols according to their
group allocation. Group One received chiropractic manipulative therapy to the lumbar
spine and sacroiliac joint restrictions combined with legs rubs and reassurance
administered by the parent(s)/guardian(s). Group Two received only legs rubs and
reassurance administered by the parent(s)/guardian(s).
The participants completed the study over a period of three weeks. Subjective and
objective readings were taken. Subjective readings from each participant were taken using
the Oucher self-rating pain scale (OSRPS) and a pain diary completed by the
parent(s)/guardian(s). Objective readings were taken using a pressure algometer over the
anterior tibial muscles bilaterally. A six-week post study follow up was done via email.
Results
The statistical data was analyzed using the Friedman test, Mann-Whitney test and the
Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test. The results demonstrated that both groups responded
favourably to their specific treatment over time. However, Group One proved to show a
quicker response to treatment over time; and the post study follow up of Group One proved
to be significantly more positive than Group Two. These results highlight the positive
effects of the chiropractic manipulation. Discussion
The fact that the participants of Group One have improved in subjective and objective
measurements and the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the participants have responded very
positively to the post study follow up, one has to consider that the anatomical theory
proposed by Evans and Scutter (2007), the pain referral theory supported by Cookson
(2003) and the activation of pain inhibitory systems supported by Wright (1995) and
Sterling et al. (2001) might all be a likely aetiologies for growing pains. However, one has to
consider that the participants from Group Two, who received no spinal manipulation, have
also improved in subjective and objective readings. Therefore it is possible, and cannot be
excluded, that the leg rubs administered to both groups could also have played a role in
relieving the growing pains.
Conclusion
The results of the data collected from this study, the pressure algometer and OSRPS
readings, showed that spinal manipulation did not have much of a benefit. However, the
pain diaries and feedback from the parent(s)/guardian(s), which are probably more reliable
for growing pains, indicates that spinal manipulation does show to be beneficial.