08/11/2026
Shoulder, Elbow, or Wrist Pain May Warrant a Spine Evaluation.
In a case series of three patients with spinal dysfunction and upper extremity pain that did not correspond with typical pain referral patterns from the spine, researchers found that spinal manipulation and mobilization—manual therapy techniques commonly used by chiropractors—were associated with clinically significant improvements in arm pain and disability. The findings suggest clinicians should include the spine when evaluating patients with shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain.
Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, July 2026