An analysis of the incidence of asthma and associated factors in patients presenting with primary thoracic spine pain at the London School of Osteopathy Outpatient Clinic  

Suzanne Cooper                                                                            Supervisor: Dawn Limbert 

Abstract  

Description

The purpose of the study is to ascertain if asthmatic patients have a higher incidence of thoracic spine pain than non-asthmatics.  It will also examine whether differences exist between cohorts in gender, age and month of first attendance, BMI, smoking history, pain level and quality, number of treatments required and working diagnosis.

Methods used

The study cohort was be selected from past patients aged 18+ who presented at the London School of Osteopathy clinic whose primary site of pain is the thoracic spine.  An excel database was used to extract the required data.

Findings

There were no significant differences in the prevalence of asthma between asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients.  Asmthatics demonstrated higher pain levels, required more treatment than non-asthmatics and were more likely to attend during peaks in environmental allegens. They were also more likely to be diagnosed with thoricic spine dysfunction.  An above average number of asthmatics of both genders smoked.  Male asthmatics demonstrated higher BMIs than asthmatic femals and attended at an earlier age than other groups.