Sternocostal joints, low back pain and lumbar discopathy.

Abstract

New interrelations between the distensions of the 5th, 6th and 7th ribs and low back pain were studied in two groups of patients: 1) one hundred out-patients with prevalent pseudoradicular symptomatology and 2) fifty patients hospitalised for graphically verified (CT, PMG) lumbar disc herniation and pronounced radicular symptomatology. We have introduced some measurements to document asymmetrical holding of the body and limbs: the distance between the sternoclavicular joint-spina iliaca ant. sup. and the distance between the acromion and spina iliaca post. sup. We found that in the distension (blockade) of the 5th rib, constant spasms are present in m. abdominis obliquus ext., in the most lateral part of the adductors and in the most medial part of the great gluteal muscle. In 6th rib distension, spasms in the external part of the m. rectus abdominis, and in the mediolateral fascicles of thigh adductors and in the external part of m. glutaeus max. could be palpated. In 7th sternocostal distension there are spasms in the most medial parts of m. rectus abdominis, and of thigh adductors and m. glutaeus medius of the same side. After mobilization, statistically significant improvement of body asymmetry (p less than 0.01), improvement of anteflection, bending to the side, Laségue's and Patric's phenomena were found. Surgery was indispensable only in 6% of our patients suffering from severe lumbar disc hernianion (in 3 out of 50). The CT appearance of the prolapse remained unaltered even after clinical remission. There were some changes before and after mobilization in the CT picture of sternocostal joints. The importance of strengthening of the great pectoral muscles--in which preexistent relative weakness was found--is stressed. The beneficial effect of mobilization of the respective sternocostal blockade on the pain syndrome, body asymmetry and mobility is described.