OSTEOPATHY
By Maggie Brooks DO, RGN, SMTO
A male patient age 25, 6ft 2inches tall, normal weight,
presented with pain to the right of the thoracic spine radiating
around to sternum which he described as very acute at times
particularly when tired. The pain spread as a band around
chest to sternum and then would slowly fade away. His job
as a nurse in the intensive care unit involved lifting.
He worked night shifts - when he was particularly aware
of the pain. The pain eased on rest.
Consultation and history taking gave a picture of a healthy
individual who exercised by walking his dog, ate sensibly
and was in a good relationship. There was no medical history
of note. He has not consulted his doctor about this problem
as past experience has shown him that all he will be given
is tablets. He has come on recommendation of a work colleague.
Onset had been insidious and he could not remember exactly
when the pain began but thought he could relate it to lifting
someone a week or so previously - though he admitted he
was not as aware of his biodynamics on night duty. The pain
was now getting worse and he asked how osteopathy worked.
I explained that I needed to perform an examination to
detect what structural imbalances were present and what
restrictions there were in movement. Then, once we had identified
and isolated the problem, I would work to free the restriction
and mobilise to encourage normal movement and the return
of balance. I showed him on a model what his problem involved.
He described the pain as lancing and piercing when acute
at the level of the costo-transverse joint; it then radiated
around to anterior. He thought it was more painful on inspiration.
He reported no numbness or radiation of pain. The pain was
definitely worse on pulling movements and worse when tired
- it was particularly bad this week as he was still on night
shift. It did wear off at times but he was aware of 'something
not being right'.
I questioned him about digestive problems in particular,
as thoracic lesions often contribute to gastro-intestinal
problems. I also asked him if he had any other problems
in any other limb(s). I always ask this as pathology in
the thoracic spine can also refer pain to the legs, arms,
neck or head. I was particularly interested to check if
he had problems in shoulder movement, as they are often
restricted in thoracic lesions.
I also questioned him about any respiratory difficulties
- he thought the pain was worse on inspiration. He was not
aware of any motor or sensory loss.
No allergies or health problems reported and on discussion
of general health, there was no reason not to continue to
examine with a view to treating osteopathically. The patient
agreed with what I suggested and we proceeded to the examination.
I feel I offer patients enough time to discuss their problem.
I then require them to agree to continue to examination
and then to treatment.
Examination
General - observation from all angles as usual and I observed
gait - no abnormalities noted
Checked pelvic girdle and hips check levels of shoulders
- right shoulder lower, right innominate slightly higher.
Checked whole spine for areas of flattening or abnormal
kyphosis - only noted deviation around T10-12 and flattening
at T8. T7 is considered the transitional area where upper
limb movements have their axis with lower limb.
I always check the whole body - if justified I would then
examine other areas more specifically. Certainly, had he
complained of any other discomfort - e.g. in sacral area
or lumbar spine, I would have examined there as well. I
feel very strongly that everything is connected and the
dynamics of osteopathy excite me when I realise how it can
help so many diseases.
Observation: for erythema, scar, discoloration, areas of
obvious flattening, areas of obvious spasm, or wasting of
muscles, deviations (scoliosis), lumbar lordosis, thoracic
kyphosis, evenness in ribcage and position of same, noted
musculature
Noted the patient had nil of note - good musculature, some
flattening in thoracic spine with deviation in spinous processes
at levels T10 - T12 and T8.
Observation and range of motion
General: flexion, extension, side bending, rotation - the
only abnormal movement was on lateral flexion which was
limited to the right, flattening as mentioned before. Movement
of ribs with breathing showed a slight difference on the
right.
Performed safety checks and used springing movement to check
condition of spine - sudden unexplained guarding might have
suggested pathology such as a space occupying lesion or
even osteomyelitis. This translation shows the amount of
‘play’ at each level and thus assists in detecting
facet joint lesions. All was in order on examination.
Light palpation showed flashing (erythema) at levels T10,
(T10 spinous process is level with transverse process of
T11) T8 otherwise fine. There was no real temperature difference.
PALPATION: spinous and transverse processes (on the middle
and slightly to side of spine, over facet joints (these
are synovial joints which need to be kept mobile), angles
of ribs in inhalation and exhalation applying gentle pressure,
Palpating the spinous and transverse processes for deviations
determines whether a rotation lesion is present, palpated
paraspinal muscles - compared consistency and size also
abdominal muscles (in flexion), palpated rib movement with
inhalation and exhalation and compared sides.
Palpation supine: clavicle - NAD
Sternum and sterno-clavicular joint - NAD
costochrondral joint at rib 8 was tender on right
(Want to exclude Tieze syndrome costo-chrondritis)
costosternal joint at rib 8 also tender on right
Abdomen: spleen at levels of ribs 9 - 11
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION OF THE THORACIC SPINE
- Patient seated; 2nd and 3rd fingers on transverse processes
(TP) of suspected lesioned area - dip head forward and
back
On forward bending -
- Both TP move together - either OK or if painful then
suspect a straightforward flexion/extension lesion
- One TP moves that segment has to sidebend to opposite
side, worse in flexion
On backward bending
- One TP moves that segment has to sidebend to the same
side, worse in extension
- TP process more superficial - then rotation is to that
side
SPECIFIC EXAMINATION FOR RIB LESIONS
- Test for inspiration lesion - found lower rib T10 stuck
in inspiration.
- Test for expiration lesion which really only occurs
only in lower ribs.
I placed my hands on the rib cage and asked patient to
breathe in and out deeply. There was a slight difference
on the right. T10 stuck in inspiration meant that with inhalation
there is a force so when recoil occurs in exhalation, this
is not painful. Rib 10 articulates with a single vertebra
and as such has a whole facet. I had to consider all the
attachments and joints involved.
Had I suspected pathology I could have measured inspiration
and expiration with a tape measure - this would then serve
as a record for future visits e.g. a patient with emphysema
or other chronic lung condition - which often are helped
with osteopathy.
ASSESSMENT OF NERVOUS SYSTEM
Showed no loss of sensory or motor function
Alert, communicative, understood questions; good co-ordination,
no obvious unsteadiness observed.
Sympathetic/parasympathetic actuation - patient concerned
about his problem and obviously finding some movements painful
and stressful - I try to leave painful testing to last so
as not to stress patient unduly.
NEUROLOGICAL TESTING
Kernig's test stretches the spinal cord to reproduce pain
- patient was supine with hands behind head and then flexed
head onto chest. Pain may indicate meningeal irritation,
irritation of dural covering Valsalva manoeuvre - bear down
as if defecating; pain may be due to increased thecal pressure
- negative in this case.
T1 interossei
T8/9 upper abdomen; T9/10 mid abdomen; T11/12 lower abdomen.
L2/L4 quadriceps femoris; L4-S2 hamstrings, L5 - S2 Achilles'
No reason to test cranial nerves as senses seemed in good
working order and he complained of no problems in this area.
No abnormalities discovered.
TREATMENT PLAN
My goals of treatment were to ease his pain and to restore
mobility in the lesioned vertebrae and rib.
I chose Muscle Energy Techniques to begin to mobilise the
thoracic lesion at T10 and T8 and the rib 10 lesion. I felt
once the muscle spasm had eased sufficiently, I would then
utilise a high velocity thrust to mobilise the thoracic
and rib lesion.
I find using this approach ensures that the high velocity
thrust can be used with less reaction afterwards from inflamed
and painful tissues.
Muscle Energy Techniques involve positioning the patient
in such a way and then asking him to resist a specific movement.
Thus, the patient is using his own muscles to restore balance
I then performed a high velocity thrust to the costo-transverse
joint which 'clicked' and the patient felt the improvement
instantly. I used the 'dog' technique positioning carefully.
The patient lies face up with his arms crossing the chest
and the osteopath lines up the lesioned area underneath.
I then performed a high velocity thrust to the T8 lesion,
which had obviously occurred as secondary compensation -
it released easily.
I then explained to the patient that he might find it got
worse before it got better - he told me he felt a 'new man';
I explained that I would need to check it again in a week's
time as we might have to repeat the treatment as the body
got adjusted to the new position.
I am aware of healing crises, which can be severe in some
people. If the pain does become intense I recommend an ice
pack - frozen peas for ten minutes over the area which would
be covered with a thin cloth. This can be repeated twice
- certainly I do not advise over icing. I discussed posture
with him and suggested that he make a conscious effort not
to continue his holding pattern. In pain, we often adopt
postures that become a habit and bad habits are difficult
to change. I asked him to take it easy for the rest of the
day and then made another appointment for the following
week.
Second visit - one week later
Great improvement in pain - he had suffered a bit the day
after treatment. He felt it was coming back and felt he
had aggravated it at work again. The pain was not as severe
and the T8 lesion had not come returned.
I asked him if anything else had happened since I last saw
him, that I should know about. He said 'no'. However, I
have found that rib lesions that are very resistant to treatment
are linked to emotional problems and talking a little helps.
I do refer to a local counsellor when necessary - i.e. beyond
my skills.
I then re-examined also checking pelvis, cervical spine
in case there was a contributory factor from there.
I then performed soft tissue manipulation to prepare area,
particularly intercostal area, trapezius, rhomboids, scalenes,
levator scapulae, mobilised with passive movements and the
muscle energy technique used for the rib on the first visit.
I then performed a high velocity thrust to the T10 lesion,
which was flexed, rotated and sidebent left (FRSLT).
I then discussed posture, as he did tend to stoop because
of his height (6 foot 2 inches).
Third visit - two weeks later
He reported a great improvement and felt fitter in himself.
He really saw no reason for this visit - so I explained
that treating the soft tissues again would most certainly
help to ensure that the area didn't relesion.
On examination, the area of the rib lesion was fine but
the thoracic spine at that level was still slightly flexed
and rotated left. I mobilised the area with a muscle energy
technique and then manipulated with a high velocity thrust.
I suggested he return in a month to ensure all was well.
I also suggested coming regularly for a sort of MOT He told
me he'd think about it.
I discussed the importance of warming up before any activity
including lifting patients at work and also doing gentle
stretches to the back and also hamstrings, which I feel;
help to maintain flexibility in the back.
I chose this client for this case study as he is one of
the few straightforward cases I have had to demonstrate
these skills to you.
I have treated successfully - migraine, irritable bowel
syndrome, asthma, Raynaud's disease, ME, many painful conditions
- such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.
If the nerves are compromised at spinal level then the effects
are far reaching. Success I feel is an improvement in quality
of life - this can be more dramatic for some than for others.
About the Author
Maggie Brooks DO, RGN, SMTO
Maggie is an Osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic
Council and Member of the British Osteopathy Association.
She is also a Remedial Massage
Therapist, Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist and
full Member of the Scottish Massage
Therapists' Organisation.
Maggie is in practice at the Brooks-Carter Clinic, 24 Ellon
Road, Aberdeen AB23 8BX 01224 822956 which offers Osteopathy,
Manipulative Therapy, Advanced Remedial Massage, Sports
Massage, Reflexology, Clinical Aromatherapy and On-Site
Massage. Maggie is also a Registered General nurse registered
with UKCC.
As Principal of Scottish Massage Schools with certificates
in teaching and assessing, she teaches on Scottish Massage
Schools courses in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow.
- visit our website on www.scotmass.co.uk. A full career
progression is offered through courses in Swedish Massage,
Remedial and Sports Massage, Advanced Remedial Massage,
Manipulative Therapy, Reflexology, Clinical Aromatherapy
and On-Site Massage.
Maggie is also Secretary of the Scottish Massage Therapists'
Organisation and on the forum for General Council for Massage
Therapy, which is in the process of establishing standards
and code of practice nationally. She is also a Member of
the recently formed working group for Sports Massage under
the auspices of the National Sports Medicine Institute.
Maggie can put you in touch with your nearest therapist
or osteopath.
Maggie lectures at Health Shows and runs Stress Management
seminars and lectures internationally.
Appointments can be made at 01224 822956
Email: maggie@scotmass.co.uk
