Correction of a double spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine utilizing Chiropractic BioPhysics(®) technique: a case report with 1 year follow-up

[Purpose] To report on the reduction of a double lumbar spine spondylolisthesis by use of Chiropractic BioPhysics(®) technique. [Participant and Methods] A 57 year-old male presented with severe chronic low back pains and sciatica. After playing hockey for 50 years, he was unable to continue and was forced to retire. Lumbar radiography showed an L3 retrolisthesis of −5.3 mm and an L4 anterolisthesis of 5.4 mm. Chiropractic BioPhysics technique including mirror image lumbar spine drop-table adjustments, corrective exercises and a unique pelvic extension traction was performed 50 times over 7-months. [Results] A radiograph after 3-months showed full reduction of the L3 retrolisthesis. A radiograph after 7-months showed full reduction of the L4 anterolisthesis. The patient reported full resolution of chronic back pains and was able to return to play hockey; a 1.75 year follow-up showed maintenance of the corrections and the patient remained injury-free while returning to play hockey. [Conclusion] A customized treatment program including Chiropractic BioPhysics lumbar spine traction, corrective exercises and drop-table spine manipulation resolved chronic back pains and fully reduced an L3 and L4 retro- and antero-listhesis, respectively. Further research may substantiate this treatment approach for reducing translational displacements in the lumbar spine. Routine upright radiography is required to diagnose spondylolisthesis.