Haley B.
|
Thoracic Sprain
SYMPTOM
Thoracic Sprain
SITUATION
Haley, a 27-year-old delivery coordinator in Queens, came to KIRO after experiencing sudden mid-back pain following a fall while lifting a heavy package at work. She reported sharp pain across her mid-thoracic region on the left side, stiffness when twisting or reaching, and discomfort that limited her ability to perform her job. The acute nature of the injury left her unable to work, but also limited her during everyday tasks like dressing herself, bending down to tie her shoes, and reaching to grab food from the top shelf of the fridge.
She’d been icing the area, but the pain persisted and made it difficult to continue her day-to-day life. Seeking fast, effective relief and guidance to prevent worsening of her injury, Haley came to KIRO for chiropractic care.
TREATMENT
To assess the situation, our doctors began with a complete examination. Evaluation revealed mild bruising of the skin on the left ribcage, tenderness and limited motion in the mid-thoracic spine, along with tight surrounding muscles reacting to protect the injured area. To confirm these findings, our doctors performed a nervous system scan which indicated localized tension consistent with an acute thoracic sprain.
Our doctors developed a short-term, intensive care plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further injury in the thoracic region. They explained the first objective would be to decrease pain and inflammation in the area, and instructed Haley to alternate ice and heat at home. Treatment frequency began with twice-weekly gentle adjustments to mobilize the thoracic segments and mild soft-tissue therapy to calm surrounding muscles.
By the end of one month, reassessment demonstrated improved thoracic motion, decreased pain, and reduced muscular tension. There was no longer any visible bruising of the area, and a repeated nervous system scan showed normal tension throughout the thoracic spine. At this point, our doctors spoke with Haley about the importance of keeping her entire spine healthy and mobile to stay functional in her workplace, and together decided to move forward with a full-spine focused wellness care plan.
RESULT
Within a month, Haley reported that her thoracic sprain had largely resolved. The sharp pain and soreness she was feeling with bending, twisting, and reaching had completely disappeared. She was able to perform lifting and twisting tasks at work without discomfort, sit through her shifts, and resume the normal activities of daily life she’d been struggling with before. She continues to visit KIRO for full-spine care and believes it’s a major reason why she has sustained no further injuries on the job.
DURATION
3 months
