Polkinghorn B S, Colloca C J
J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1998 Mar-Apr;21(3):187-96.
To describe a case of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation, successfully treated via chiropractic intervention using Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique.
A 26-yr-old man suffered from a chronic multisymptom complex composed of low back pain, left groin pain, left leg pain, left foot drop and associated muscle weakness with atrophy. The symptoms had persisted for more than 2 yr after an athletic injury. Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation revealed a 6-mm focal central disc protrusion with accompanying deformation of the thecal sac, consistent with the presenting symptoms. Lumbar spinal surgery had been recommended to the patient as the appropriate medical management for optimal outcome.
The patient elected to pursue chiropractic treatment in an effort to resolve his condition via conservative management. Chiropractic intervention consisted of mechanical-force, manually assisted short-lever adjusting procedures, rendered via an Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI). The patient responded favorably and his multisymptom complex resolved within 90 days of treatment. No residuals or recurrences were noted at examination over 1 yr later.
This report suggests that chiropractic treatment of lumbar disc disorders may be effectively implemented, in certain cases, via mechanical-force, manually assisted adjusting procedures using an AAI. We speculate that the use of an AAI, combined with Activator methods, may provide definitive benefits over side-posture manipulation of the lumbar spine in treatment of resistive disc lesions, because of the lack of torsional stress imposed upon the disc during instrumental spinal adjustment. Further study should be made in this regard to determine the safest and most effective method to treat lumbar disc lesions in a chiropractic setting.
描述一例有症状的腰椎间盘突出症病例，该病例通过使用激活器整脊技术的整脊干预成功治愈。
一名26岁男性患有由下腰痛、左腹股沟疼痛、左腿疼痛、左脚下垂以及相关肌肉无力伴萎缩组成的慢性多症状综合征。这些症状在一次运动损伤后持续了两年多。磁共振成像评估显示一个6毫米的局灶性中央椎间盘突出，伴有硬脊膜囊变形，与当前症状相符。腰椎脊柱手术曾被推荐给该患者作为获得最佳结果的适当医疗处理方法。
患者选择接受整脊治疗，试图通过保守治疗来解决他的病情。整脊干预包括通过激活器调整仪器（AAI）进行的机械力、手动辅助短杠杆调整程序。患者反应良好，其多症状综合征在治疗90天内得到缓解。1年多后的检查未发现残留或复发情况。
本报告表明，在某些情况下，通过使用AAI的机械力、手动辅助调整程序可以有效地实施腰椎间盘疾病的整脊治疗。我们推测，由于在器械性脊柱调整过程中椎间盘所受扭转应力较小，使用AAI结合激活器方法在治疗难治性椎间盘病变方面可能比腰椎侧位手法操作具有明显优势。在这方面应进一步开展研究，以确定在整脊环境中治疗腰椎间盘病变的最安全、最有效的方法。
