Clinician: Trossolo Francesca
A 27-year-old female patient, employed as a waitress and regularly engaged in physical activity (dance and cross-country skiing), presented for evaluation complaining of bilateral neck pain associated with cervical spine stiffness and mild headache. The symptoms had recurred approximately two days prior to the consultation and were described as recurrent over the past 2–3 years. The patient also reported mandibular pain that developed following the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance approximately one and a half years earlier. No other relevant medical history was reported.
In the absence of additional significant clinical findings, the initial hypothesis was oriented toward a functional overload of the cervico-scapular region, likely related both to prolonged standing and repetitive loading associated with her occupational activity and to her sports practice, particularly cross-country skiing, which involves substantial activation of the cervical spine and scapular girdle. The symptoms, described as more pronounced in seated or supine positions, were considered consistent with a fascial overload involving the frontal plane.
During Motor Verification (MoVe), the CL, SC, and CP3 segments were assessed. Cervical flexion and side-bending movements reproduced the neck pain and were associated with a sensation of mandibular weakness. Motor verification revealed a predominant involvement of the frontal plane compared to the other planes of motion.
Palpatory Verification (PaVe), performed on the SC, CL, and CP3 segments, suggested a predominant involvement of the retro-lateral (RE-LA) Centers of Fusion (CF) and the lateral (LA) Centers of Coordination (CC). Based on these findings, the following points were selected and treated: bilateral RE-LA SC, bilateral RE-LA CP3, bilateral RE-LA CL, and bilateral LA CP3.
Immediate motor reassessment following treatment demonstrated a significant reduction in cervical stiffness, with a marked decrease in DoMax. Previously painful movements could be performed without symptom reproduction, and an improvement in mandibular strength and stability was observed. The headache reported at the initial evaluation had completely resolved.
After a brief phase of therapeutic education, during which guidance was provided regarding the management of occupational and training loads in the days following treatment, a follow-up session was scheduled for fifteen days later. During a telephone follow-up conducted a few days after the session, the patient reported complete resolution of neck pain, an overall sensation of increased freedom of movement, and the ability to perform a dance movement that had previously been impossible due to cervical stiffness.