Joel Alcantara, D.C., Susan Fleuchaus, D.C., and Rosemary E. Oman, D.C.
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic ~ Volume 2009 ~ November 6, 2009 – Issue 4 ~ Pages 1-9
Abstract
Objective: To present the chiropractic care of a patient with torticollis and neck pain concomitant with spinal subluxations.
Clinical Features: A 10-yr-old male presented with torticollis and complaints of neck pain as a result of muscle spasms in the cervical spine. The previous day, the patient had awakened with severe neck pain and the inability to lift his head from his pillow due to pain. The patient was taken to the emergency room where he was examined and given a prescription of Motrin and Valium prior to being released.
Interventions and Outcome: The patient was treated with low force, site-specific, full-spine chiropractic care using the Torque Release Technique in combination with Activator Methods at a frequency of 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Adjunctive therapies using interferential and moist heat to the cervical or thoracic spine were utilized for 3 visits along with proprioceptive-neuro-facilitation (PNF) stretching on one occasion. Icing home instructions for 10 minutes at least twice per day were given along with instructions to cease participating in any sports activity. Following 12 visits, the patient was pain-free with improved posture and full range of motion in the cervical spine.
Conclusion: This case report provides supporting evidence on the use of site-specific chiropractic adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxations in the care of patients with acquired torticollis.
Key Words: Torticollis, vertebral subluxation, surface electromyography, thermography, chiropractic, neck pain
