Where You FEEL Pain Isn't Always WHERE The Dysfunction Is

Our nervous system is organized from embryonic layers that fold inward and close forming the brain and spinal cord during development. Because of the folding inward, the location of pain, and the location of the lesion (tear, stiff joint, instability) may differ up to 3 spine levels. This phenomenon explains the clinical discrepancy between where the PATIENT points to the location of their symptoms, and the TRUE location of dysfunction. Mid back pain (thoracic spine) may actually be due to neck posture and / or low back instability (lumbar region).

As a manual therapist, I always clear the joint ABOVE and BELOW to take into consideration that PAIN LOCATION and the PROBLEM are not always in the same spot. A thorough PHYSICAL THERAPY examination will accurately define the location of the lesion, and allow for proper TREATMENT.

Trust the process, allow for healing, and the rest will come.