Question
Dr. Gillman

I had been seeing chiropractic interns at a local college for the past 3 years for an ongoing hip arthritis problem. At a certain point I became comfortable with them doing adjustments to my back as I do get occasional muscle spasms in the lower back area. These were all lumbar roll type adjustments. On my last visit in mid May after I indicated that all back adjustments should be of a gentle nature the intern directed me to lie on my stomach and then proceeded to do push down type adjustments on my thoracic spine. None of these hurt directly but one felt like it might have started to go a bit too far - it did not feel quite natural.

For the last five weeks I have had a pretty much constant annoying feeling in my back at that area. While not outright painful it does vary from a mild to a somewhat beyond moderate discomfort. It can be described as somewhat of a pressure or tight feeling with an almost bruised feel to it, although there is no pain response to direct touch, soft or hard. Sometimes it feels like it extends a bit to the right side of the spine. I feel an almost constant need to stretch and crack my spine that I do try to resist. I thought it would go away within a week or two but it is hanging on and does not seem to be getting better. I gave it a little time to rest and have not engaged in vigorous weight training, but have tried to continue doing other activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and yoga as there is no direct pain with movement. I can also note that I am just getting over a pretty bad cold with cough where some of the sneezing and coughing was pretty intense with no direct pain noted for that area - just the continued fairly constant annoyance that varies in intensity throughout the day.  

I recognize that relative to some of the other problems on this site mine might seem minor but at almost six weeks out this is really starting to drive me crazy and I'm starting to get concerned. Any ideas as to what this might be and how much longer it could take to resolve would be appreciated.

Answer
Ken,

Your middle back may simply be strained from the maneuver that the intern performed.  This can happen even under the care of more seasoned doctors.   However, they are interns...   See if anyone in the clinic, namely the doctor/advisor, can jump in and help by performing some ultrasound, then some Graston Technique (www.grastontechnique.com).   Also, as odd as this may sound, you may need to get your spine adjusted again but not in the same way (or by the same intern).   Ask the doctor/supervisor about testing the thoracic spine segments' "joint play" when in flexion and see if there is loss of flexion mechanics.   If so, try an "anterior to posterior" thoracic spine joint manipulation with your spine in the flexion position (not on your belly pressing down).    

'Hope this was helpful.  

Dr. G'
www.drgillman.com