Notalgia Paresthetica Helped by Chiropractic - A Case Report

On February 1, 2024, the result of a case study was published on the open access research site Cureus that documented the positive outcomes of a patient under chiropractic care who was suffering with notalgia paresthetica (NP). According to the Cleveland Clinic website, “Notalgia paresthetica is a neurological condition that causes intense itching, burning or a tingling sensation between your shoulder blade and spine. The condition isn’t dangerous to your health, but it can be uncomfortable.”

This study begins by pointing out that NP is often associated with spinal degeneration of the neck or upper back as seen on spinal x-rays. They note that medical treatment for this condition is mainly focused on the alleviation of symptoms, but the medications used can themselves create significant side effects creating additional health concerns.

In this case, a 54-year-old woman went to the chiropractor seeking relief from her right-side upper back itching, which the study referred to using the scientific term “pruritus”. The woman rated the itching on average as a 4 out of 10. She had been suffering with this problem for six years. Over that time, the woman had tried numerous topical creams and lotions that did not give her much relief. She also reported a tightness in her neck and upper back. At one point, the woman visited a neurologist, who diagnosed her with NP and recommended she see a chiropractor.

At her first visit to the chiropractor, a chiropractic examination was performed. The examination revealed that the woman’s shoulders were more rounded than normal, and she had an increased hunched over curve in her upper back. Additional findings showed areas of restricted motion and sensitivity to touch in her neck. Spinal x-rays of her neck showed moderate spinal degeneration in the mid-lower neck along with malpositioning of the vertebrae.

Based on the results of the examination and x-rays, chiropractic adjustments were started. This study referred to the adjustment using the scientific wording of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Just two days after her first chiropractic adjustment, the woman sent a message to the office stating that her symptoms of neck tightness and itching were almost completely gone. The study reports that after the second chiropractic adjustment, the woman reported that her symptoms were completely gone. A later follow-up showed no return of her symptoms.