Improved Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Hyperglycemia, and Quality of Life Following Thoracic Hypokyphosis Vertebral Subluxation Correction Using Chiropractic BioPhysics?: A Prospective Case Report

Objective: Spinal misalignment increases spinal cord tension and is linked to various health conditions. There has never been a study on the impact of spinal alignment on blood glucose metabolism. This prospective case with long-term follow-up explores spinal alignment and its impact on type 1 diabetes mellitus. Case and methods: A 26-year-old male presented with chronic mid-back pain for 9 years and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Radiography and MRI revealed hypokyphosis of the thoracic spine with spinal misalignment from thoracic vertebrae 6 through 9 consistent with vertebral subluxation. Glycosylated hemoglobin and blood-glucose averages were obtained by continuous glucose monitoring. Back pain, paraspinal muscle tension, and quality of life were also measured. The patient received Chiropractic BioPhysics® care including Mirror Image® corrective spinal exercises, adjustments, and traction. Results: After 36 visits, the patient reported improvement in his mid-back pain and quality of life. Thoracic x-rays showed correction of thoracic hypokyphosis. Surface EMG measuring paraspinal muscle tension improved and continuous glucose monitoring showed dramatic drop in blood glucose immediately following the onset of each visit and improvement in blood glucose averages, percentage of time of blood glucose in a healthy target range, and glycosylated hemoglobin. The patient reported he reduced his basal insulin by approximately half during chiropractic care. Conclusions: This case suggests that correction of thoracic hypokyphosis using Chiropractic BioPhysics® care protocols may result in improved glycosylated hemoglobin and blood glucose metabolism for a person with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as well as back pain, paraspinal muscle tension, and quality of life.