Chest. 2001 Feb; 119(2): 638-40.

Diaphragmatic paralysis following cervical chiropractic manipulation: case report and review.

Schram DJ, Vosik W, Cantral D.

University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 67218, USA. djschram@hotmail.com

This case report documents an uncommon cause of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis resulting from phrenic nerve injury during cervical chiropractic manipulation. Several months after the initial injury, our patient remains short of breath and has difficulty breathing in the supine position. Other causes of diaphragmatic paralysis and phrenic nerve injury are reviewed.