Cervical Spine & Neck Pain

The global burden of neck pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study

Hoy D, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014 Jan 30. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204431. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract OBJECTIVE: To estimate the global burden of neck pain. METHODS: Neck pain was defined as pain in the neck with or without pain referred into one or both upper limbs that lasts for at least 1 day. Systematic […]

Upper cervical mobility, posture and myofascial trigger points in subjects with episodic migraine

Upper cervical mobility, posture and myofascial trigger points in subjects with episodic migraine: Case-control study Danit Tali, BPT Received: November 10, 2013; Received in revised form: January 10, 2014; Accepted: January 29, 2014; Published Online: February 06, 2014 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.01.006 Summary Objectives To evaluate the association between episodic migraines and the prevalence of myofascial trigger […]

Bilateral Cervical Dysfunction in Patients With Unilateral Lateral Epicondylalgia Without Concomitant Cervical or Upper Limb Symptoms

A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study Brooke K. Coombes, PhD Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Volume 37, Issue 2 , Pages 79-86, February 2014 Abstract Objective The purposes of this study were to examine the prevalence and distribution of spinal and neurodynamic dysfunction in a population with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia (LE) without concomitant cervical or upper […]

Is one better than another?: A randomized clinical trial of manual therapy for patients with chronic neck pain

Izquierdo Pérez H, et al. Man Ther. 2014 Jan 11. pii: S1356-689X(13)00214-2. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2013.12.002. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract Our purpose was to compare the effectiveness of three manual therapy techniques: high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA), mobilization (Mob) and sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP). The randomized controlled trial […]

Dose Optimization for Spinal Treatment Effectiveness (The DOSE Study)

A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of High and Low Mobilization Forces in Patients With Neck Pain Snodgrass SJ, et al. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2014 Jan 22. [Epub ahead of print] Abstract Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Objective To determine if force magnitude during posterior-to-anterior (PA) mobilization affects immediate and short-term outcomes […]

New insights into neck-pain-related postural control using measures of signal frequency and complexity in older adults

Gait Posture. 2014 Apr;39(4):1069-73. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.01.009. Epub 2014 Jan 25. Quek J1, Brauer SG2, Clark R3, Treleaven J2. Abstract There is evidence to implicate the role of the cervical spine in influencing postural control, however the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore standing postural control mechanisms in older adults […]

The Science of Treating Neck Pain

Canadian evidence review yields updated recommendations for acute & chronic pain By Peter W. Crownfield, Executive Editor Dynamic Chiropractic – February 1, 2014, Vol. 32, Issue 03 Full Story PubMed Reference The January 2014 issue of JMPT features the award-winning papers from the World Federation of Chiropractic’s 2013 Congress, perhaps the most intriguing of which in terms of clinical […]

Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain

Bryans R,et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014 Jan;37(1):42-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2013.08.010. Epub 2013 Nov 19. Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop evidence-based treatment recommendations for the treatment of nonspecific (mechanical) neck pain in adults. METHODS: Systematic literature searches of controlled clinical trials published through December 2011 relevant to chiropractic practice were […]

Cervical spine alignment in the pediatric population: a radiographic normative study of 150 asymptomatic patients

Original Article European Spine Journal July 2014, Volume 23, Issue 7, pp 1442-1448 First online: 07 January 2014 K. Abelin-Genevois Abstract Purpose To describe the normal cervical sagittal alignment of the pediatric spine in a normal population and to identify the changes during growth period. Methods We randomly selected in PACS database 150 full-spine standing […]

Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults With Neck Pain

Roland Bryans, DC Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Volume 37, Issue 1 , Pages 42-63, January 2014 Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to develop evidence-based treatment recommendations for the treatment of nonspecific (mechanical) neck pain in adults. Methods Systematic literature searches of controlled clinical trials published through December 2011 relevant to […]

Chronic Neck Pain and Emotional Factors

The determinants of function and disability in neck patients referred to a specialized outpatient clinic Johansen JB, et al. Clin J Pain. 2013 Dec;29(12):1029-35. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31828027a2. Abstract AIM/OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Considerable attention has been paid to assessing the risk factors for the development of disability following neck pain (NP) in the general population, but we still lack […]

Kyphosis Correction and Outcomes in Surgery Cases

The Study: Relationship between degree of focal kyphosis correction and neurological outcomes for patients undergoing cervical deformity correction surgery. The Facts: a. Cervical kyphosis “can lead to mechanical pain, neurological dysfunction, and functional disabilities.” b. Therefore the more you move the kyphosis toward lordosis the more improvement there might be in outcomes. c. The authors […]

Arm Squeeze Test: a new clinical test to distinguish neck from shoulder pain

S. Gumina, Stefano Carbone, P. Albino, M. Gurzi, F. Postacchini European Spine Journal July 2013, Volume 22, Issue 7, pp 1558-1563 Abstract Purpose Objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic values of the Arm Squeeze Test. The test consists in squeezing the middle third of the upper arm. Methods 1,567 patients were included […]

The Shoulder Girdle’s Importance to the Cervical Spine

By Kevin G. Hearon, DC, CCEP, CCSP The shoulder girdle consists of three bones: the clavicle, scapula and humerus. It is suspended at its posterior margins from the cervical and thoracic spine by the trapezius muscles, levator scapula, rhomboid, serratus and latissimus dorsi. The anterior muscle attachments include all of the pectoral muscles, subclavius and […]

Patients with non-specific neck disorders commonly report upper limb disability

Upper limb activities can aggravate neck pain in the absence of arm symptoms. A variety of mechanisms may account for this occurrence, including mechanical loading. Cervical segments move when the upper limb is loaded and loads placed through the upper limb transmit to cervical structures via axio-scapular muscles, such as levator scapulae and upper trapezius. […]

Vertebral artery dissection as a cause of cervical radiculopathy

Asian Spine J. 2013 Dec;7(4):335-8. doi: 10.4184/asj.2013.7.4.335. Epub 2013 Nov 28. Silbert BI, Khangure M2, Silbert PL. Abstract The acute onset of neck pain and arm weakness is most commonly due to cervical radiculopathy or inflammatory brachial plexopathy. Rarely, extracranial vertebral artery dissection may cause radiculopathy in the absence of brainstem ischemia. We describe a […]

Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Exercise for Seniors with Chronic Neck Pain

Michele Maiers, DC, MPH The Spine Journal: Available online 16 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background Context Neck pain, common among the elderly population, has considerable implications on health and quality of life. Evidence supports the use of spinal manipulative therapy and exercise to treat neck pain; however, no studies to date have evaluated the […]

What is the best screening test for depression in chronic spinal pain patients?

Yun Hee Choi, Ph.D The Spine Journal: Available online 16 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background Context High prevalence rates of depression have been found in chronic spinal disorder (CSD) patients. As a result, the assessment of depression has become an increasingly important component in understanding CSD using a biopsychosocial perspective. Standardized diagnostic criteria, such […]

Short-term usual chiropractic care for spinal pain

Walker BF,et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Nov 15;38(24):2071-8. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000435032.73187.c7. Affiliation *School of Health Professions †School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia; and ‡School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Abstract STUDY DESIGN: Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: Establish the short-term effectiveness of chiropractic therapy for spinal pain compared […]

An ICON Overview on Physical Modalities for Neck Pain and Associated Disorders

Graham N, et al. Open Orthop J. 2013 Sep 20;7:440-60. Abstract INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is common, can be disabling and is costly to society. Physical modalities are often included in neck rehabilitation programs. Interventions may include thermal, electrotherapy, ultrasound, mechanical traction, laser and acupuncture. Definitive knowledge regarding optimal modalities and dosage for neck pain management […]