Correction of pseudoscoliosis (lateral thoracic translation posture) for the treatment of low back pain: a CBP® case report

J Phys Ther Sci. 2018 Sep;30(9):1202-1205. doi: 10.1589/jpts.30.1202. Epub 2018 Sep 4.

Abstract

[Purpose] To present the case of a total reduction of pseudoscoliosis spinal deformity in an adult female suffering from recurrent back pains. [Participant and Methods] A 29 year old female suffering from recurrent back pains was diagnosed with lateral thoracic translation posture; aka pseudoscoliosis. The patient was initially given 12 treatments of relief care including spinal manipulative therapy, then another 24 treatments receiving the same plus mirror image® translation traction and exercises. [Results] The patient achieved a complete reduction of the lateral thoracic translation posture (pseudoscoliosis) as indicated on a post-treatment radiograph after 36 total treatments. Most orthopedic tests became normalized and the patients back pains were significantly improved after the correction of posture, but only slight improvements after the initial 12 sessions of manipulative therapy only. [Conclusion] Pseudoscoliosis is structurally reducible by use of CBP® mirror image® lateral translation traction methods and exercises and led to the resolution of back pains in this case. The diagnosis of pseudoscoliosis as opposed to true scoliosis is very important and likely underdiagnosed in common practice. Upright radiographic imaging is essential to differentiate these two spinal disorders and offers no harm to the patient. Comprehensive assessment including routine use of x-ray is recommended to differentiate between spinal disorders.

Keywords: Lateral thoracic translation; Low back pain; Pseudoscoliosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports