Recognition of prodromal cervical spondylotic myelopathy presenting in a U.S. Veteran referred to chiropractic for acute thoracic pain: A case report

Abstract Objective To highlight a patient who was referred to a VA chiropractic clinic for thoracic pain and upon physical exam was found to be myelopathic, subsequently requiring surgery. Clinical features A 58-year-old male attended a telephone interview with the VA chiropractic clinic for thoracic pain of 4 months duration; he denied neck pain, upper extremity symptoms or clumsiness of the feet or hands. At his in-person visit, he acknowledged frequently dropping items. The physical examination revealed signs of myelopathy including positive Hoffman's bilaterally, 3+ brisk patellar reflexes, and 5+ beats of ankle clonus bilaterally. He also had difficulty walking heel/toe. Intervention and outcome Cervical and thoracic radiographs were ordered and a referral was placed to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clinic for evaluation of the abnormal neurologic exam and suspicion of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). He was treated for 2 visits in the chiropractic clinic for his thoracic pain, with resolution of thoracic symptoms. No treatment was rendered to the cervical spine. The PM&R physician ordered a cervical MRI which demonstrated severe central canal stenosis and increased T2 signal within the cord at C5–C6, representing myelopathic changes. The PM&R specialist referred him to Neurosurgery which resulted in a C5-6, C6-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Conclusion The importance of physical examination competency and routine thoroughness cannot be overstated. Swift identification of pathologic signs by the treating chiropractor resulted in timely imaging and surgical intervention.