Retropharyngeal Abscess Presenting as Benign Neck Pain

/Home/Chiropractic Treatment for Neck Pain

Retropharyngeal Abscess Presenting as Benign Neck Pain
Received 17 February 2005; accepted 30 June 2005
Kay A. Fogeltanz, DCa, Kevin J. Pursel, DCb
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT)

Abstract
Objective
To present a case of an uncommon presentation of cellulitis of the neck as benign neck pain.

Clinical Features
A 44-year-old man had severe neck pain and headaches for 2 weeks with an unknown cause. Minimal response to chiropractic treatment leads to coordination of treatment with the patient's primary care physician. Laboratory assessment and magnetic resonance imaging initially were viewed as insignificant but were repeated and showed a retropharyngeal abscess.

Intervention and Outcome
Chiropractic treatment did not reduce the patient's neck pain as expected. Fusion of C1 to C2 was eventually performed.

Conclusion
Neck pain is a common reason for patients to seek chiropractic care. This case shows an uncommon differential diagnosis for a patient who does not respond quickly to chiropractic treatment for neck pain.

a Private practice, Green Bay, Wis

b Private practice, Green Bay, Wis

Submit requests for reprints to: Kay A. Fogeltanz, DC, Essential Chiropractic of Green Bay, 2149 Velp Ave Suite 300, Green Bay, WI 54303

Sources of support: No external funds were provided for this research.

PII: S0161-4754(05)00377-5

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.12.013

© 2006 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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