Son PMR & Chiropractic clinic

[Case Study] Improvement of Hyperacusis, Facial and Ear Pain, and Dizziness in a Woman in Her 60s through Upper Cervical, TMJ, and Myofascial Integration Care by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A woman in her early 60s presented to our clinic with the following symptoms: Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) Persistent facial pain and inner ear discomfort Dizziness triggered by neck and shoulder muscle tension Tightness and pressure in the temporomandibular (TMJ) region Despite prior evaluation by ENT and neurology specialists, no structural abnormalities were found on imaging studies. Medication had limited effect. Given the complexity of her symptoms, we performed a functional assessment of the upper cervical spine, TMJ region, and cervical myofascial chains, and applied a multi-modal, non-invasive approach. Treatment Overview Upper Cervical Manual Integration (C0–C2) Assessment tools: posture analysis, prone leg check, head rotation test...

🧠 Why Does the Upper Back Feel “Stuck” in Patients with Severe Cervical Disc Herniation? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Many patients with severe cervical disc herniation experience more than just neck pain—they often feel that their upper back (C7–T4 area) is stiff, restricted, or “catching” when they try to extend or move. This is not simply due to tight muscles, but reflects a complex interplay of joints, muscles, fascia, and the nervous system . In this post, we’ll explore why this upper thoracic stiffness occurs and why recovery is often slow unless addressed holistically. 🔍 Why Does the Upper Back Get Stuck or Feel Blocked? 1. Protective Muscle Guarding and Fascial Tension When a cervical disc presses on a nerve root, the body reflexively tightens surrounding muscles to protect the spine from further injury. This often leads to chronic tension in the longissimus cervicis/thoracis, semispinalis cervicis, levator ...

Case Report: Improvement of Thumb Numbness Accompanying Frozen Shoulder Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A recent patient at Son Cheolho Rehabilitation Medicine Clinic presented with bilateral frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), accompanied by numbness in the left thumb . The shoulder pain and stiffness were affecting daily activities such as dressing and overhead movement, but the most distressing symptom was the persistent tingling and numbness in the thumb, which disrupted fine motor tasks like using a smartphone. Clinical Assessment Upon thorough history taking, functional examination, and postural analysis, it was noted that the numbness was not solely due to peripheral entrapment, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, but likely associated with functional disturbances in the upper cervical spine , particularly involving C1 and C2 . Additionally, C6 dermatome involvement —which innerv...

Case Review: Arm Weakness Significantly Improved After Upper Cervical and Myofascial Treatment by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A patient recently visited our clinic complaining of the following symptoms: Tingling and weakness in the arm, especially when lifting the arm overhead Notable weakness in forearm and wrist extension Difficulty performing daily tasks like holding a cup or washing the face Interestingly, the Spurling test—a standard orthopedic test used to assess cervical nerve root compression—was negative. MRI imaging did not reveal a significant herniated disc. However, functional examination showed: Imbalance and joint restrictions in the upper cervical region (C1–C2) Dysfunction and muscular tension in C2–C5 motion segments Fascial tightness and guarding in the scalene muscles , especially the anterior and middle portions Initial Treatment – Immediate Neurological Response During the first vis...

MRI Findings of Cervical or Lumbar Disc Herniation Do Not Always Mean Symptoms  by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul It's a common misconception that MRI findings of disc herniation or degeneration in the cervical or lumbar spine always indicate a painful or symptomatic condition. However, extensive research over the past decades has shown that many people without any back or neck pain also exhibit such findings on MRI . 1. Disc bulges and degeneration are common in people without pain One of the most cited studies on this topic is the 2015 systematic review by Brinjikji et al., which analyzed MRI data from asymptomatic individuals. The study found that: In people in their 20s , about 30% had lumbar disc bulges despite having no symptoms. In those in their 80s , the prevalence increased to 84% . Brinjikji W, Luetmer PH, Comstock B, et al. "Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in ...

  Why Does the Back of My Shoulder Hurt During Wind-Up? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul In sports such as baseball, badminton, or tennis, the wind-up phase —bringing the arm backward—is a key motion. But when pain is felt only in the back of the shoulder during this movement, it may be more than just a simple muscle ache. Let’s explore the possible causes and how chiropractic care, including upper cervical correction , can help address this issue. 1. Tightness or Contracture of the Posterior Capsule The shoulder joint is surrounded by a capsule. When the posterior capsule becomes tight , often from overuse or poor posture, it can lead to pulling pain in the back of the shoulder during wind-up motions. 2. Dysfunction of the Infraspinatus and Teres Minor Muscles These two external rotator muscles play a critical role in shoulder stability. If they're overused or inflamed, patients may experience sharp pain or weaknes...

Why Is Frozen Shoulder So Difficult to Diagnose in the Early Stage? by Son PMR(Physical medicine & Rehabilitation ) & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis , is a condition that causes stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder joint. It is particularly common in people in their 40s to 60s. However, early diagnosis is often difficult due to several clinical factors, which are supported by medical literature and real-world experience. 1. Nonspecific and Gradual Onset of Symptoms Frozen shoulder typically begins without any specific trauma or injury. In the early phase, patients usually experience vague shoulder discomfort or mild pain, which can be mistaken for common muscle strain or overuse. The gradual nature of symptom development makes it easy to overlook or misattribute the cause. Zuckerman JD, Rokito A. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2011: "Frozen shoulder: a consensus definition." 2. Stage-Specific...