Thoracolumbar syndrome as a cause of low-back pain: a report of two cases

Thoracolumbar syndrome results from irritation of the thoracolumbar facet joints causing pain to be referred to the distribution of the cluneal nerves from T12, L1 and L2. This results in local thoracolumbar backache with referred pain to the iliac crest and buttock. It may present as buttock pain alone resulting in treatment being directed towards the lower lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints rather than the thoracolumbar spine. Two cases of thoracolumbar syndrome treated by posterior joint manipulation are presented.