Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
A case of pheochromocytoma presenting as low back pain
Matthew A Davis1, Geoffrey M Bove
1Carlos G Otis Health Care Center Inc, PO Box 216, Townshend, VT 05353, USA. mdavis@gracecottage.org
Objective:
This case report describes and discusses a patient with a pheochromocytoma who presented to a chiropractic office with low back pain.
Clinical Features:
The patient is a 51-year-old woman who was self-referred to our chiropractic service with low back pain that appeared to be musculoskeletal in nature. Four days after chiropractic consultation, she collapsed in cardiogenic shock with signs of congestive heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction, and hypotension. Computed tomographic image of the abdomen revealed a right-sided adrenal mass that was confirmed via laboratory analysis to be a pheochromocytoma.
Intervention And Outcome:
The patient underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy and made a full recovery. Her initial back symptoms resolved with tumor excision.
Conclusion:
Pheochromocytomas are rare catecholamine-producing tumors of the adrenal glands that can mimic musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain. Chiropractic physicians should be aware of the various clinical presentations and, when pheochromocytoma is suspected, make prompt referral to medical providers for diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
