Case Report: Teenage Patient with Chronic Thoracic Pain and Associated Stomach Symptoms

Laura Gagnon*

Received: November 04, 2022;   Published: November 11, 2022

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.47.007450

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Abstract

Background and Purpose: Incidence of thoracic spine pain in adolescents is like that of adults and if persistent is a risk factor for chronic pain in adulthood. Physical therapy is a common intervention for what is perceived to be from a primarily musculoskeletal etiology. This case study describes an adolescent with treatment of skeletal and visceral strain counterstain techniques.

Case Description: The patient was a 15-year-old female with chronic thoracic spine pain. Upon further questioning during treatment, it was revealed that the patient had stomach pain and decreased hunger for 1 ½ years. A physical therapy evaluation was performed including alignment, AROM, segmental testing, palpation, manual muscle testing, functional testing, and visual analogue scale. A treatment plan was implemented with the primary tools of therapeutic exercise and manual therapy of mobilization and strain counterstain.

Outcomes: Physical therapy resulted in return of full function, 0/10 pain and an associated abolishment of stomach pain and return to an ability to be hungry.

Discussion: This case report details the effects of musculoskeletal treatment on visceral symptoms. The mechanism and association of physical therapy manual treatments on visceral signs and symptoms is an area of needed research as demonstrated in this case study.

Keywords: Thoracic Spine Pain; Physical Therapy; Strain Counterstain; Manual Therapy

Abbrevations: AROM: Active Range of Motion; MMT: Manual Muscle Testing; DTRs: Deep Tendon Reflexes; AROM: Active Range of Motion; MMT: Manual Muscle Testing; IMT: Integrated Manual Therapy; TP: Tender Point; HEP: Home Exercise Program; PVM: Paravertebral Musculature