Cases from Clinical Practice

Abstract

Joint dysfunctions can be the cause or result of an entire series of differing clinical presentations. Furthermore somatic dysfunctions may be incidental findings elicited in the physical examination. In addition to a thorough diagnostic workup the so called provisional treatment plan has proven very useful and effective. If, for example, a joint restriction is found in one or several apophyseal joints in a patient who presents with, for example, headache, back pain, or pain in the arm or chest wall, then the restriction should be treated. If this therapeutic intervention leads to a decrease or even the resolution of the patient’s symptoms one may conclude that the joint dysfunction with its restriction was the cause or at least a significant contributor to the patient’s symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve or recur soon after therapy other causes must be searched for.