Abstract
Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a dermatologic condition that causes pruritus of the skin on the medial border of the inferior scapula and/or upper back. It is a chronic neurologic dysesthesia caused by pain from nerve fiber damage at the thoracic spine, levels two to six. Patients can also experience paresthesia, allodynia, and pruritus that is exacerbated by heat. It has been shown in multiple case reports that thoracic nerve impingement could be responsible for this problem, specifically herniated intervertebral discs, vertebral changes, and osteoarthritic lesions. Multiple methods of treatment have been reported to be effective including topical steroids and anesthetics, oral gabapentin and antihistamines, and osteopathic manipulation. The authors report a case of a 50-year-old male with notalgia paresthetica who has undergone osteopathic manipulation. Stretching, osteopathic manipulation, and proper posture was shown to be effective for the patient to alleviate the symptoms. In addition to all of the treatment methods mentioned, stress management is a new recommendation for patients to help reduce their symptoms of NP. The noted treatments have been able to provide patients with short-term or immediate relief of symptoms, but a long-term solution or cure has yet to be determined.
Recommended Citation
Garelick, Emily M. and Kasper, David
(2025)
"Notalgia Paresthetica: Case Report,"
The Journal of Integrated Primary Care: Vol. 1:
Iss.
4, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/jipc/vol1/iss4/3
