Notalgia Paresthetica Responding Positively to Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation: A Case Report
Robert J Trager1,2,3, Curtis P Riffle1, Cliff Tao4
1Chiropractic, Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA.
Cureus
|March 4, 2024
Summary
Notalgia paresthetica (NP), a chronic skin neuropathy, may improve with chiropractic care. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and myofascial release offered significant relief for one patient with cervicothoracic discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Chiropractic Medicine
Background:
- Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a chronic neuropathic condition causing localized itching and discomfort.
- Limited effective treatment options exist for NP, often linked to cervicothoracic spine degeneration.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman with a six-year history of right periscapular pruritus and cervicothoracic pain, diagnosed with NP.
- Previous topical treatments provided minimal symptom relief.
- Radiographs showed degenerative changes at C5/6 and C6/7, correlating with her symptoms.
Findings:
- The patient received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) targeting the cervicothoracic region, combined with myofascial release.
- Significant symptom improvement occurred after one SMT session, with complete resolution after a second session.
- No recurrence of pruritus was noted during a one-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case suggests spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) may be a beneficial treatment for notalgia paresthetica (NP).
- Further research is warranted to establish the efficacy of SMT for NP patients.
- Chiropractic interventions could offer a novel approach for managing NP symptoms.
