Abstract
M.Tech.
Objectives: To investigate the effects of a combined therapeutic approach from the
chiropractic perspective for the treatment of acute sacroiliac joint syndrome. Chiropractic
adjustments combined with interferential current (IFC) therapy were compared to
chiropractic adjustments alone.
Methods: Consenting participants diagnosed with acute sacroiliac joint syndrome, were
randomly assigned to receive a combination of chiropractic adjustments to the sacroiliac
joint and IFC therapy directed to the ipsilateral quadratus lumborum (Group 1, n =
15), or chiropractic adjustments to the sacroiliac joints alone (Group 2, n = 15). Subjective
and objective measurements were taken before treatment at the first and fourth
consultations, as well as at the follow-up visit, within a period of three weeks. Subjective
measurements consisted of the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Oswestry Disability
Index. Objective measurements consisted of inclinometer readings for lumbar range of
motion and algometer readings for the mechanical pain threshold of quadratus lumborum.
Results: Mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance tests, with post hoc analyses,
were performed for all measurements taken. Within-group results were statistically
significant (p < 0.05) and between-group results were statistically non-significant (p >
0.05) for all measurements. The time between visit 1 and 4 was most effective for improved
flexion in both Group 1 and Group 2. Results for the Numerical Pain Rating Scale
as well as left and right rotation improved most significantly between visits 1 and 4 for
Group 1, compared to visits 4 to 7 for Group 2. The period between visit 4 and 7 was
most significant for improved scores in both groups for the Oswestry Disability Index,
extension, left and right lateral flexion, and mechanical pressure pain thresholds for both
the left and right quadratus lumborum muscles.
Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between the effects of a
combined treatment approach using chiropractic adjustments and interferential current
therapy, and chiropractic adjustments alone. A combined therapeutic approach is therefore
unlikely to add any clinical benefit to the chiropractic adjustment for the treatment
of acute sacroiliac joint syndrome.