The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):16. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,cr,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

breast cancer [18]
case report [736]
chemotherapy [8]
female [655]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
women [608]

Abstract:

Introduction: Chemotherapy and radiation often lead to post-treatment complications, including myalgia, arthralgia, and peripheral neuropathies. Conventional treatments for this frequently fail to provide symptom relief. This case examines the use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) as an adjunct therapy in post-chemotherapy inflammatory conditions. Case Description: A 54-year-old female with a history of breast cancer and brain metastases underwent mastectomy with chemotherapy and radiation for 6 months, as well as left pteronial craniotomy and exploratory temporal lobe resection with long-term chemotherapy. She presented to the ONMM clinic for low back pain, bilateral elbow pain, and shoulder pain. Imaging review showed left temporal encephalomalacia, mild disc bulge in the lumbar spine, and neuroforaminal stenosis in the cervical spine. Previous treatments resulted in no relief. Results: Osteopathic structural examination revealed cranial, craniocervical, and craniosacral syndrome. This was secondary to post-surgical scar strains, chemo-induced arthropathy of bilateral hips and elbows as well as radiation strains to the thorax and lungs. OMT techniques used were osteopathy in the cranial field, balanced ligamentous tension, and ligamentous articular strain. She had a tremendous response to treatment with resolution maintenance of the strains above. Over subsequent appointments, she discontinued her gabapentin and has been well-maintained with OMT and perineural subcutaneous injections. The recurrence of her somatic dysfunctions was related to chemotherapy night-time dosing with hyper-flexed postural sleeping. Dosing adjustments and positional changes were made with resolution of her chemotherapy-induced arthropathy and peripheral neuropathies. Discussion: OMT optimized her healing. Integration of OMT with lifestyle modifications could offer a viable, non-pharmacologic option for managing persistent chronic pain in cancer survivors.