Chiropractic Treatment for Mid Back Pain

This was a 40 year old patient with right sided mid back pain. He had been to 2 other chiropractors before presenting at my office. To be HIPPA compliant, I will call him Eugene instead of his real name.  He was in severe pain (level of 9 out of 10).  Furthermore, it affected his activities of daily living.  And Eugene was having difficulty sleeping and working.

Eugene didn’t have any history of trauma involving his thoracic spine (mid back).  His current job involved a lot of driving which he stated was “hard on his back”.  In his spare time, Eugene was an avid surfer.  Moreover, he enjoyed all activities related to surfing (e.g. paddle boarding).  In the past, he was in the contracting /building business.  Therefore, Eugene had a job entailing a lot of physical labor. Additionally, he had seen a physical therapist previously for unrelated neck pain which had resolved.

Eugene’s Examination

Upon examination, I found positive tests to render chiropractic treatment of Eugene’s spine and right shoulder. So Eugene’s right glenohumeral joint (shoulder) was dysfunctional.  The right glenohumeral joint was found to disturb the normal proprioceptive (sense of self-movement, force, and body position) function, leading to mid back changes.  Eugene’s chronic and recurrent mid back pain that appeared to be localized to the mid back also involved his right shoulder.  This was why only treatment to the mid back joints with the previous chiropractors was ineffective.

The right glenohumeral joint was dysfunctional in the kinetic chain. The Kinetic chain describes how forces occur during human motion and how segments of the body are linked together. The distortions such as mechanical deficiencies (short leg) or muscular insufficiency or deformities (i.e., valgus/ “knock-knee”or varus/ “bow leg” ) result in dysfunctions in the kinetic chain.  In conclusion, Eugene’s problems presented as clinical findings associated with the thoracic spine, but there were also dysfunctions located in his right glenohumeral joint.  Eugene’s condition involved what’s called Reflex-triggered functional syndrome.

Eugene’s X-rays

The x-rays taken in my office showed moderate osteoarthritis in his thoracic (mid back) spine. This is the “wear and tear” type of arthritis when the bones rub against one another causing pain, stiffness, inflammation, disc degeneration and bone spurs (also known as osteophytes) which can “pinch” surrounding nerves/tissues.  For Eugene, the most notable finding on x-ray was the significant curvature in his thoracic (mid back) spine. He had a 7 degree right lateral deviation (right curvature) with an apex (center of curve) at the T8 spinal level.

Eugene’s Chiropractic Treatment for Mid Back Pain

Starting at 2 times a week and then 1 time a week, Eugene’s treatments included chiropractic adjustments/manipulation to his thoracic spine, right glenohumeral joint (shoulder), and associated regions.  Associated regions adjusted were her cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) spine. Additionally, soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, pressure point and various post isometric relaxation procedures) and modalities (cold/heat therapy and electric muscle stimulation) were administered as needed. Finally, therapeutic exercises to continue treatment at home were given.

Firstly, the goal was to get him out of pain. Secondly, restore normal range of motion. Thirdly, to strengthen the involved musculature. The long-range goal was to strengthen/stabilize his thoracic spine and shoulder with a progressive therapeutic exercise program and modification of sport or/and occupational/daily lifestyle activities.

Eugene’s Outcome from Treatment at Meiri Chiropractic

Eugene started feeling better from the first treatment.  After four visits, he was able to sleep and resume surfing/ work activities  pain free.   Subsequently, he continued his chiropractic corrective and then maintenance care for his condition.