• Hagen CM
• Hartman JA

• Affiliation / Palmer College of Chiropractic
• Affiliation / Palmer College of Chiropractic. Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Iowa / Davenport
• Aged
• Chest Pain / diagnosis
• Male
• Open Access Document
• Ribs / injuries
• Sacro Occipital Technique

Objective: The purpose of this case report is to describe the resolution of non-cardiac related chest pain in a patient with costovertebral joint dysfunction using the sacro occipital technique.

Clinical Features: A 66 year-old Caucasian male presented with chest pain rated 8 of 10 on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and exacerbated with inspiration. Case history and physical examination were performed which revealed no indications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sacro occipital technique trapezius fiber analysis and palpation were used to localize a left costovertebral joint fixation at T6 and associated trigger point superficial to the articulation.

Intervention and Outcome: The patient was treated using a modified anterior thoracic adjustment with the contact hand placed under the rib articulation as A to P thrust was administered. The patient reported pain rated 2 out of 10 on the NRS at post-evaluation the following day. Exam revealed restored motion to the T6 costovertebral articulation on inspiration and exhalation with a decrease in pain and tenderness of the trapezius fiber.

Conclusion: This case report describes the chiropractic management of a 66 year-old male with a complaint of non-cardiac chest pain resulting from a costovertebral joint misalignment.

Author keywords: Chiropractic, chest pain, rib misalignment, sacro occipital technique

Author affiliations: CMH: Instructor, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa; JAH: Project Manager, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Davenport, Iowa

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