• Alcantara Junjoe
• Alcantara Joey
• Alcantara Joel

• Adult
• Chest Pain
• Chiropractic / instrumentation
• Diversified Technique
• Female
• Ribs

Objective: To discuss the positive health outcomes following chiropractic care of a patient with chest wall syndrome.  

Clinical Presentation: A 45-year-old female presented for care with a right anterolateral thorax pain that began approximately two months prior following housecleaning activities that involved lifting. She had been experiencing upper back pain since undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery. Multiple consultations with medical personnel resulted in multiple diagnostic work-ups, a diagnosis of reflux esophagitis and muscles spasms in addition to cholelithiasis. All interventions were ineffective including prescription medication and gallbladder removal was also recommended. Continued pain resulted in a family member recommending chiropractic consultation.

Treatment and Outcome: The patient received care consisting of full-spine chiropractic adjustments characterized as Diversified Technique and thoracolumbar mobilization using Arthrostim. The patient reported an immediate decrease in mid-upper back tension that had been present since her mitral valve replacement surgery. Following 4 patient visits over a 4-week period, the patient was pain-free.

Conclusions: This case report provides supporting evidence that patients suffering from chest and rib pain may benefit from chiropractic care.

Author keywords: chest wall syndrome, Arthrostim, rib pain, vertebral subluxation, adjustment, spinal manipulation

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