Exploring the perceptions of chiropractors in the eThekwini municipality on the role of chiropractic care in the management of post-surgical lumbar pain

Abstract

BACKGROUND Lumbar pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide with an increasing prevalence. There are several interventions for lumbar pain, with surgery usually considered as the last resort. Chiropractic treatment is an intervention associated with management of spine pain; therefore, it stands to reason that chiropractors would encounter patients suffering from post-surgical lumbar pain in practice. The perceptions of chiropractors on the role of chiropractic management in post-surgical lumbar pain (PSLP) can therefore assist further development in this field. AIM This study aimed to explore the perceptions chiropractors in the eThekwini municipality have about their role in the management of patients who suffer from post surgical lumbar pain. METHODOLOGY A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design, utilising the linear snowball sampling technique, was used. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 qualified chiropractors in the eThekwini municipality of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and then analysed. RESULTS Four main themes were extracted: informed and competent understanding of PSLP, shared recognition of the chiropractor’s role and utilisation in post-surgical lumbar spine care, shared perceptions of the therapeutic value of chiropractic treatment for managing PSLP, and uniform practice patterns and challenges in post-surgical lumbar spine management. CONCLUSION Chiropractors believe that, chiropractic care plays a role in restoring movement, improving function and reducing pain in the management of PSLP through the application of various modalities available to them within their wides scope of practice.