The Importance of Early Detection of Spinal Tumors Through Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chiropractic Practices

Copyright © 2024, Mok et al..

Primary spinal tumors such as schwannomas are uncommon causes of back pain that can be easily missed during the initial workup. Delayed diagnosis is associated with further neurological impairment. A 46-year-old man presented with a six-month history of progressive lower back pain and left leg radiculopathy. Previous treatments failed, including medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulations. Examination revealed weakness (4/5) in left knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 2-cm intraspinal schwannoma at the L4 level with nerve root compression. The patient underwent laminectomy and gross total resection without any complications. The patient had near-complete symptomatic resolution six weeks postoperatively and returned to normal functioning. After four months of postoperative rehabilitation, the patient remained asymptomatic. This case reinforces the urgent need for early MRI in the presence of neurological deficits and other symptoms, despite normal radiographs. An increased suspicion of spinal tumors can prevent delays in diagnosis and minimize adverse outcomes. Multidisciplinary care optimizes the treatment of complex cases.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:16

Enthalten in:

Cureus - 16(2024), 1 vom: 26. Jan., Seite e51440

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Mok, Sharon [VerfasserIn]
Chu, Eric Chun-Pu [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Back pain
Case Reports
Chiropractic
Chiropractor
Magnetic resonance imaging
Radiculopathy
Schwannoma
Spine tumor

Anmerkungen:

Date Revised 02.02.2024

published: Electronic-eCollection

Citation Status PubMed-not-MEDLINE

doi:

10.7759/cureus.51440

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM367875802