Mobilization of the lumbar spine in a 76-year-old male with mechanical low back pain and an abdominal aortic aneurysm: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are found in 1-12% of older males. Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent with incidence increasing with age and can respond to manual therapy (MT). To date, the safety of the application of MT for LBP in the presence of a known AAA has not been reported. This case reports on the short-term effects of MT in a patient with LBP and AAA and pre- and post-therapy imaging. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 76-year-old male presented with mechanical LBP, groin pain, and a known 4.2-cm AAA. A lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed significant multilevel abnormalities. Abdominal screening did not elicit back or groin pain. Lumbar and hip range of motion and accessory motion testing reproduced his complaints. He was treated with lumbar and hip MT. OUTCOMES: After three visits, he reported that his groin pain resolved, and his back pain could be managed with home exercise. He reported a +6 on the global rating of change. Repeated follow-up imaging of his AAA demonstrated no significant change of his AAA. DISCUSSION: No immediate adverse events were recorded, and repeated follow-up imaging indicated no significant AAA expansion. Considering that mobilization causes similar displacement to active motion, research into the safety of MT in this population is warranted as are guidelines for appropriate initial and ongoing clinical screening during treatment in this population.

Passive accessory joint mobilization in the multimodal management of chronic dysesthesia following thalamic stroke.

Study design: Case Report. Purpose: Stroke is the most common cause of long-term disability. Dysesthesia, an unpleasant sensory disturbance, is common following thalamic stroke and evidence-based interventions for this impairment are limited. The purpose of this case report was to describe a decrease in dysesthesia following manual therapy intervention in a patient with history of right lacunar thalamic stroke. Case description: A 66-year-old female presented with tingling and dysesthesia in left hemisensory distribution including left trunk and upper/lower extremities, limiting function. Decreased left shoulder active range of motion, positive sensory symptoms but no sensory loss in light touch was found. She denied pain and moderate shoulder muscular weakness was demonstrated. Laterality testing revealed right/left limb discrimination deficits and neglect-like symptoms were reported. Passive accessory joint motion assessment of glenohumeral and thoracic spine revealed hypomobility and provoked dysesthesia. Interventions included passive oscillatory joint mobilization of glenohumeral joint, thoracic spine, ribs and shoulder strengthening. Results: After six sessions, shoulder function, active range of motion, strength improved and dysesthesia decreased. Global Rating of Change Scale was +5 and QuickDASH score decreased from 45% to 22% disability. Laterality testing was unchanged. Conclusion: Manual therapy may be a beneficial intervention in management of thalamic stroke-related dysesthesia. Implications for Rehabilitation While pain is common following thalamic stroke, patients may present with chronic paresthesia or dysesthesia, often in a hemisensory distribution. Passive movement may promote inhibition of hyperexcitable cortical pathways, which may diminish aberrant sensations. Passive oscillatory manual therapy may be an effective way to treat sensory disturbances such as paresthesias or dysesthesia.

Resolution of whiplash-associated allodynia following cervicothoracic thrust and non-thrust manipulation.

Whiplash injuries of the cervical spine comprise 30% of injuries reported following motor vehicle accident (MVA) and often progress to chronic painful conditions. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a 37-year-old female referred to physical therapy with neck and shoulder pain after whiplash injury. The patient demonstrated limited cervical and shoulder active range of motion as well as quantitative sensory testing (QST) results consistent with central nervous system sensitization. She was treated for 11 visits over a 6-week period with manual therapy and specific exercise directed to the cervicothoracic spine. Her pain decreased from 9/10 to 2/10 by the end of treatment and remained improved at 1/10 at the 6-month follow-up. Her Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale decreased from 23/30 to 4/30 by the 11th visit. In addition, she demonstrated clinically significant increases in cervical active range of motion and normal somatosensation. Manual therapy of the cervicothoracic spine may be a beneficial adjunct to the standard care of patients with signs and symptoms of central sensitization after whiplash-associated disorder and primary report of neck and shoulder pain.