Categories of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale Activities in Chronic Neck Pain and Their Relationship to the Neck Disability Index.

Intoduction: Common outcome measures for chronic neck pain are the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) and the neck disability index (NDI). The primary aim was to categorize the top-rated, patient-selected functional activity limitations of the PSFS to determine if there were consistent limited functional activities for individuals with chronic neck pain and how these compared to the constructs of activities on the NDI. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between scores for individuals who completed both the NDI and PSFS. Design: A retrospective review of data extracted from the electronic medical record, EPIC, within two hospital-based outpatient physical therapy clinics within a health care system. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on individual's characteristics, self-selected functional activity limitations, and total scores of the PSFS and NDI. Most common categories of self-selected functional activity limitations were developed by practicing physical therapists. These functional activity limitation categories of the PSFS were compared to the activities of the NDI. Mean PSFS total scores were correlated with the NDI total scores with Spearman's test. Results: Participants were individuals with chronic neck pain from January 2013-September 2018 (n = 2283). Movement-based activities accounted for 60.8% of the functional activity limitations of the PSFS with the top functional activity limitations being cervical motion and exercise (32%). The PSFS total score moderately correlated with NDI (r = -0.50, p = <0.01) which may relate to the differences in constructs of the NDI and the top patient-selected PSFS functional activity limitations found in this analysis. Conclusion: The results suggest that individuals with chronic neck pain present with similar categories of self-selected functional activity limitations that differ from activities of the NDI. Additional research is needed to improve outcome measures to capture patient-selected functional activity limitations and an individual's pain experience.

Design of a Health Education Program to Manage Chronic Neck Pain: Protocol for a Development Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain (CNP) needs attention to its physical, cognitive, and social dimensions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to design a health education program (HEP) with a biopsychosocial approach for patients with CNP. METHODS: A literature search on CNP, health education, and biopsychosocial models was carried out. Seven physiotherapists with expertise in HEPs and chronic pain participated in three teams that evaluated the literature and prepared a synthesis document in relation to the three target topics. Experts compiled the information obtained and prepared a proposal for an HEP with a biopsychosocial approach aimed at patients with CNP. This proposal was tested in the physiotherapy units of primary care health centers belonging to the East Assistance Directorate of Madrid, and suggestions were included in the final program. RESULTS: The HEP for CNP with a biopsychosocial approach consists of 5 educational sessions lasting between 90 and 120 minutes, carried out every other day. Cognitive, emotional, and physical dimensions were addressed in all sessions, with particular attention to the psychosocial factors associated with people who have CNP. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed HEP with a biopsychosocial approach emphasizes emotional management, especially stress, without neglecting the importance of physical and recreational exercises for the individual's return to social activities. The objective of this program was to achieve a clinically relevant reduction in perceived pain intensity and functional disability as well as an improvement in quality of life in the short and medium term. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02703506; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02703506. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/56632.

Smartphone-Related Neck Pain: A Study Among Saudi Residents in the Eastern Province.

BACKGROUND: The pervasive use of mobile phones has raised concerns about their impact on musculoskeletal health, particularly neck pain. This issue is notably relevant in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, where high mobile phone usage intersects with demographic diversity. While extensive phone use has been linked to neck pain and other musculoskeletal disorders globally, specific data on this issue in the Eastern Province are limited. This study addresses this gap by examining phone use patterns, neck positions, and associated symptoms in the region. METHODS: Using an online, self-administered survey, this cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between phone use and neck pain in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Participants aged 18 years and older were recruited via social media, community groups, and university networks. The survey collected data on demographics, phone use patterns, neck positions, awareness of health risks, and pain symptoms. It was pre-tested, administered through Google Forms (Google, Mountain View, CA), and available for four weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations with SPSS 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The study included 400 participants, with 273 females (68.3%) and 127 males (31.8%). Most participants were single (245, 61.3%) and held a university degree (301, 75.3%). Daily phone use varied: 228 participants (57.0%) used their phones for less than five hours daily, while 43 (10.8%) used them for 10-15 hours or more. Neck positions ranged from 0° to 60°, with 168 participants (42.0%) maintaining a 30° angle. Awareness of health risks associated with phone use was high, with 364 participants (91.0%) aware of these risks. Neck pain was reported by 244 participants (61.0%), with additional symptoms including headache (22 participants, 5.5%) and upper back pain (five participants, 1.3%). CONCLUSION: This study found a significant link between prolonged phone use and neck pain in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Despite high awareness of the risks, many individuals report discomfort. These findings underscore the need for public health interventions and ergonomic education to improve phone use practices and musculoskeletal health.

Biological markers of brain network connectivity and pain sensitivity distinguish low coping from high coping Veterans with persistent post-traumatic headache.

Headache is the most common type of pain following mild traumatic brain injury. Roughly half of those with persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH) also report neck pain which is associated with greater severity and functional impact of headache. This observational cohort study aimed to identify biological phenotypes to help inform mechanism-based approaches in the management of PPTH with and without concomitant neck pain. Thirty-three military Veterans (mean (SD) = 37±16 years, 29 males) with PPTH completed a clinical assessment, quantitative sensory testing, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cervical spine. Multidimensional phenotyping was performed using a Random Forest analysis and Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) clustering of input features from three biologic domains: 1) resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the periaqueductal gray (PAG), 2) quality and size of cervical muscles, and 3) mechanical pain sensitivity and central modulation of pain. Two subgroups were distinguished by biological features that included forehead pressure pain threshold and rsFC between the PAG and selected nodes within the default mode, salience, and sensorimotor networks. Compared to the High Pain Coping group, the Low Pain Coping group exhibited higher pain-related anxiety (p=0.009), higher pain catastrophizing (p=0.004), lower pain self-efficacy (p=0.010), and greater headache-related disability (p=0.012). Findings suggest that greater functional connectivity of pain modulation networks involving the PAG combined with impairments in craniofacial pain sensitivity, but not cervical muscle health, distinguish a clinically important subgroup of individuals with PPTH who are less able to cope with pain and more severely impacted by headache.

Association between Shoulder Dysfunction and Concomitant Neck Disability in Patients with Shoulder Disorders.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of shoulder dysfunction on concomitant neck disability in patients with shoulder disorders. Methods: The participants were patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) and frozen shoulder (FS). Twenty patients with SIS and 21 with FS without cervical radiculopathy were enrolled. The participants were assessed for the 4-week prevalence of neck pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), shoulder strength and range of motion, a short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (quick-DASH), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Results: The 4-week prevalence of neck pain was 12 out of 20 (60%) in patients with SIS and 13 out of 21 (62%) in patients with FS. The median NDIs were 13 and 12 for SIS and FS, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. About 41% (17/41) of the participants displayed an NDI greater than the cutoff value for disability in daily living. Although shoulder abduction strength correlated with the NDI in patients with SIS, the PCS score correlated with the NDI in patients with FS. Conclusions: Concomitant neck disability is a critical concern for patients with shoulder disorders. The clinical factors related to concomitant neck disability differ between SIS and FS, with specific interventions recommended for each condition.

Influence of nationality on the trajectories of pain, disability and health related quality of life in neck and back patients - The Norwegian Neck and Back Registry.

PURPOSE: The aim of the current study was to examine differences in trajectories of pain, disability, and health related quality of life (HRQOL) between non-Norwegian and Norwegian patients with neck and back pain over 12 months. METHODS: The study is based on data from the Norwegian Neck and Back Registry (NNRR). The data include demographics and patient-reported outcome measures such as pain rating, the Oswestry Disability Index and HRQOL. Data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months after consultation for neck and back pain in specialist health care. RESULTS: A total of 5012 patients were included. We found a significant main effect of nationality. Non-Norwegian patients showed higher levels of pain and disability and lower HRQOL than Norwegian patients. Both patient groups exhibited an improvement in all three outcomes at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The improvement was similar for pain with the greatest improvement taking place during the first 6 months and then slightly flattening out. For disability and HRQOL, we observed a differential effect over time as a function of nationality. Both groups reported an improvement the first 6 months, however, while the Norwegian patients continued their improvement to 12 months, non-Norwegian patients had increasing disability and lower HRQOL at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Both patient groups improved over the 12-month period. Non-Norwegian patients showed an overall higher level of pain, disability and lower HRQOL compared to Norwegian patients, with a differential effect over time as a function of nationality for disability and HRQOL. Suggesting that future studies should focus on potential systemic barriers that may affect the recovery of neck and back patients based on nationality.

Anatomical landmarks and procedure technique of Levator Scapulae Plane Block (LeSP block): Case report: Ultrasound-guided block of the superficial, deep and distal planes of the levator scapulae muscle for treatment of shoulder girdle myofascial pain.

Neck pain is a prevalent issue associated with musculoskeletal disorders. This study describes the interfascial Levator Scapulae Plane Block (LeSP Block) technique, using ultrasound guidance for local anesthetic administration to treat chronic neck pain. Two patients, 1 77-year-old female and 1 50-year-old female, underwent the LeSP Block. Immediate postprocedure pain relief was achieved in both, with 1 patient experiencing complete pain remission (VAS = 0) and the other showing significant improvement (VAS = 2) after 30 days. The LeSP Block demonstrated effectiveness and ease of use, suggesting its inclusion in pain management strategies for shoulder girdle and scapular pain. Further anatomical studies aimed at improving the anatomical description of the accessory spinal nerve are recommended to refine the technique.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among undergraduate students.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia, reaching levels similar to those in the Western world. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and lower back pains (musculoskeletal pain, MSP) among students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia, from March 2023 to August 2023. Inclusion criteria were: university students aged 18 years and older of both sexes who agreed to participate in the study. The modified Nordic questionnaire was used, which comprised three parts. Results: Out of 536 respondents, 337 were women and 199 were men. The average body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 25.3 ± 4.01. In total, 223 (41.60%) had a history of MSDs. Only 232 (43.28%) of the population did regular exercise. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with MSDs are mobile device use (with both hands) with a large neck tilt below the horizon line position (OR = 2.276, CI 1.178-4.397, p = 0.014), family history of trauma (OR = 5.450, 95% CI 3.371-8.811, p = 0.000), family history of MSDs (OR = 4.241, 95% CI 2.296-7.835, p = 0.000), coffee consumption (OR = 1.967, CI 1.281-3.020, p = 0.002), and time spent on electronic devices: 1-3 h (OR = 0.252, 95% CI 0.124-0.511, p = 0.0001), 4-6 h (OR = 0.455, 95% CI 0.237-0.873, p = 0.018), and 6-9 h (OR = 0.348, 95% CI 0.184-0.660, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study concludes that MSP among university students is high. A history of trauma, a family history of MSDs, the hand and neck position when using electronic devices, the amount of time spent using them, and regular exercise are risk factors that are strongly associated with MSP. There is strong evidence to suggest that increasing physical activity plays a significant role in enhancing the functionality of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system and alleviating pain. It is recommended that universities implement educational programs to raise awareness and health screenings about the impact of device usage on MSK health and the benefits of regular exercise.

Subacute Thyroiditis Presenting as a Painful Thyroid Nodule and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: A Case Report.

This case report details the evaluation and management of a 55-year-old woman who presented to our endocrinology clinic due to low TSH and thyroid nodules previously evaluated by her ENT. The patient originally presented with anterior neck pain and dysphagia. Ultrasonography demonstrated thyroid nodules with suspicious features, prompting a fine needle aspiration (FNA). A biopsy showed a follicular lesion/atypia of undetermined significance (Bethesda III). Due to concerns for malignancy, a right lobectomy was recommended. Thyroid function tests showed subclinical hyperthyroidism. She presented to our endocrinology clinic and was diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis based on signs of symptoms, radioactive iodine scanning, and biochemical studies (elevated ESR). Within approximately seven months, thyroid function tests and inflammatory markers returned to baseline, and symptoms and physical findings resolved. The case highlights the importance of understanding the similarities and differences between subacute thyroiditis and malignant pathologies in order to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures.

Prognostic factors of pain, disability, and poor outcomes in persons with neck pain - an umbrella review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors pertaining to neck pain from systematic reviews. DATA SOURCES: A search on PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL was performed on June 27, 2024. Additional grey literature searches were performed. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review and included systematic reviews reporting the prognostic factors associated with non-specific or trauma-related neck pain and cervical radiculopathy. Prognostic factors were sorted according to the outcome predicted, the direction of the predicted outcome (worse, better, inconsistent), and the grade of evidence (Oxford Center of Evidence). The predicted outcomes were regrouped into five categories: pain, disability, work-related outcomes, quality of life, and poor outcomes (as "recovery"). Risk of bias analysis was performed with the ROBIS tool. RESULTS: We retrieved 884 citations from three databases, read 39 full texts, and included 16 studies that met all selection criteria. From these studies, we extracted 44 prognostic factors restricted to non-specific neck pain, 47 for trauma-related neck pain, and one for cervical radiculopathy. We observed that among the prognostic factors, most were associated with characteristics of the condition, cognitive-emotional factors, or socio-environmental and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION: This study identified over 40 prognostic factors associated mainly with non-specific neck pain or trauma-related neck pain. We found that a majority were associated with worse outcomes and pertained to domains mainly involving cognitive-emotional factors, socio-environmental and lifestyle factors, and the characteristics of the condition to predict outcomes and potentially guide clinicians to tailor their interventions for people living with neck pain.

Carotidynia - An Unexplored Entity in Otolaryngology Practice: Three Case Reports & Review of Literature.

Carotidynia is transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery. It is a rare condition of head and neck associated with atypical neck pain, often unilateral. Patients with carotidynia often presents with atypical symptoms that makes the diagnosis of this rare entity difficult. In this article, we report a case series of 3 patients that presents with variable symptoms along with different investigative modalities and treatment approaches. Due to rare entity, this condition is often misdiagnosed or necessitates several visits to various specialties before a diagnosis is reached. Thorough clinical examination along with radiology is must to reach to a diagnosis. Patient should be counselled regarding the benign nature of the disease that can be easily controlled by low dose steroids.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Secondary to Whiplash Injury.

Although rare, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can prove to be detrimental if severe. Usually secondary to dural punctures, CSF leaks can present as severe headaches, neck pain, blurry vision, confusion, and nausea. However, patients can also be asymptomatic. Due to the rarity and variability in symptom presentation, the diagnosis of these leaks is often missed. We present a case of a 15-year-old female who had been experiencing severe headaches after she hyperextended her neck during a horseback ride. On diagnostic imaging, a CT myelogram confirmed a CSF leak with contrast extravasation along the left T9 nerve root up to the T3-T4 levels. After confirmation, the patient received an epidural blood patch, with 15 ml of autologous blood injected into the epidural space. After the procedure, the patient experienced significant symptomatic relief, resulting in an 80% improvement in her pain scale. Our case demonstrates how a prompt and accurate diagnosis of a CSF leak can optimize patient outcomes.

The Reduction of Cervical Hyperlordosis and Resolution of Craniocervical Symptoms in an Adolescent Female: A Chiropractic Biophysics Case Report With Long-Term Follow-Up.

Cervical hyperlordosis is a rare condition in the pediatric population. We present a unique case of the application of Chiropractic Biophysics® (CBP®) technique protocols to reduce a hyperlordotic cervical spine corresponding with many craniocervical symptoms, including chronic migraines and neck pain. A 15-year-old female presented with chronic headaches, neck pain, and neck stiffness among other complaints following a martial arts sprain injury several months prior. There were many positive orthopedic tests and limited range of motion. Radiographs revealed a cervical hyperlordosis and a right lateral head translation. CBP® treatment was given and involved cervical distraction traction as well as corrective exercises twice a week for 12 weeks, and then monthly for one year with a complementary home program. After 12 weeks, there was a full recovery from migraines and neck pain correlating with an 8° reduction in lordosis and correction of head translation. At 15 months, the patient remained well and achieved a 13° total reduction in the neck curve. This is the first case documenting the successful application of CBP® methods to reduce cervical spine hyperlordosis in peer-reviewed literature. We propose too much curve may be as detrimental as too little curve in the cervical spine with respect to causing adverse stresses and strains in the surrounding soft tissues leading to pathological processes and nociceptive tendencies.

Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Culturally Diverse Populations: An Intervention Logic Model.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals are underrepresented in pain research, including studies of psychologically informed physical therapy (PIPT) for musculoskeletal pain. This perspective describes a conceptual framework for PIPT management of chronic musculoskeletal pain that identifies essential elements which can be culturally tailored to meet the needs of different CALD populations. Essential interventions, determinants of behavior change, and clinical outcomes were identified from studies of existing PIPT interventions for chronic pain. PIPT approaches shared the following essential interventions: (1) cognitive skill training, (2) general aerobic activity, (3) impairment-based therapeutic exercises, and (4) graded functional movement training. An intervention logic model was developed to conceptualize how these interventions might promote active coping behaviors and greater engagement in physical activity, therapeutic exercise, and functional mobility. The model included physical and cognitive-emotional processes that may contribute to behavioral changes which ultimately reduce pain-related disability. To illustrate cultural tailoring of model constructs, we describe how intervention delivery and assessments were customized for Latino persons with chronic spine pain at a health center located near the United States (US)-Mexico border. A literature review of sociocultural influences on the pain experience of Latino persons was conducted, and essential elements of the model were operationalized to ensure that therapeutic goals, language, content, and processes were compatible with Latino cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors. Future research using the proposed model to adapt and test PIPT interventions for other CALD populations may help identify shared and divergent mechanisms of treatment response for culturally tailored pain management programs. PERSPECTIVE: A novel conceptual framework may help inform cultural tailoring of psychologically informed physical therapy management approaches for chronic musculoskeletal pain by maintaining fidelity to essential treatment elements while also leveraging the unique sociocultural context of different culturally and linguistically diverse communities to improve health outcomes.

Influence of Sagittal Cervical and Thoracic Range of Motion on Neck Pain Severity in Young White-Collar Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Neck pain (NP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, especially among individuals with sedentary occupations. The interplay between cervical and thoracic spine mobility is hypothesized to contribute significantly to NP severity, yet this relationship requires further exploration. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 179 young white-collar workers with NP lasting for at least six weeks. Participants were stratified into mild (n = 78) and moderate (n = 101) pain groups based on their scores on the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). Cervical and thoracic range of motion (ROM) in the sagittal plane was measured using inclinometers. NP severity was further assessed using the NPQ and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between cervical and thoracic ROM and NP severity. Results: Thoracic ROM was higher in the mild pain group (median: 47.35, IQR: 10.13) than in the moderate pain group (median: 42.10, IQR: 13.60; p < 0.001). The NDI had a negative correlation with thoracic ROM (r = -0.65; p < 0.05) and a positive correlation with cervical ROM (r = 0.84; p < 0.01). Additionally, thoracic ROM mediated the effect of cervical ROM on NP, particularly influencing NDI scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study found a significant association between reduced thoracic ROM and increased NP severity, highlighting the role of thoracic spine mobility in NP among young white-collar workers. Targeted interventions for thoracic dysfunction may reduce compensatory cervical strain and improve NP management, suggesting that thoracic spine assessments should be integrated into routine clinical evaluations.

Effectiveness of Medical Massage in Reducing Neck Pain Among Multiple Occupational Groups: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Neck pain is a common complaint affecting people across various professions, especially those involving prolonged sedentary activities. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of medical massage in reducing neck pain among diverse occupational groups in North Macedonia over a 3-year period (2019-2022). Methods: A total of 127 participants from various professions such as information technology professionals, bank accountants, textile workers, business sector employees, and secretaries were subjected to one or two massages per month. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale at the start and throughout the study. The statistical methods in this research study included descriptive statistics for summarizing demographic data, comparative analyses to assess the effectiveness of massage therapy on pain reduction, and inferential statistics to determine significance levels and correlations within the data. Results: At the beginning of the study, participants reported an average pain intensity level of 7 on a numerical rating scale from 1 to 10. Over the study period, consistent massage therapy led to a significant reduction in neck pain, with participants reporting an average pain level of 2 in the final months. Crucially, the research revealed that discontinuation of massage sessions, as observed in a subset of respondents who abstained for approximately 4 months, resulted in an escalation of pain intensity. This finding draws attention to the importance of regular massage therapy in sustaining pain relief benefits. Conclusion: The study's outcomes focus on the effectiveness of medical massage in managing neck pain across various occupational backgrounds. This research provides valuable perception in the potential long-term benefits of massage therapy, accenting the need for continued treatment to maintain pain relief among people exposed to neck and back pain. These findings offer essential guidance to healthcare professionals and individuals seeking non-pharmacological interventions for chronic neck pain management.

Spinal stabilization exercises for transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus thickness via telerehabilitation and face-to-face approaches in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Background/aim: Strengthening the muscles of the lumbar region in individuals with neck pain may be protective against future back problems. In addition, telerehabilitation applications, which gained momentum in the literature and clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, are among the applications preferred by patients thanks to their various advantages. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation and spinal stabilization exercises applied with face-to-face approaches on the thickness of the transversus abdominis (M.TrA) and lumbar multifidus (M.LM) muscles in patients with nonspecific neck pain. Materials and methods: The primary outcomes were the thickness of the M.TrA and M.LM. Neck pain intensity and neck disability were secondary outcomes. Muscle thickness was evaluated with an ultrasound device, neck pain intensity was assessed with a visual analog scale, and disability was assessed with the Neck Disability Index. Patients were randomly assigned to the telerehabilitation group (TRG) (n = 13) or the control group (CG) (n = 13). While the TRG did the exercises with live videos and video recordings, the CG did exercises face-to-face in the clinic. Both groups performed the same exercises for 45 minutes per session 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Results: At the end of the treatment, the thicknesses of the M.TrA and M.LM were increased and neck pain intensity and neck disability were decreased in both groups (p < 0.05). The groups were similar in terms of these variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Telerehabilitation and face-to-face spinal stabilization exercises are both beneficial for spinal muscle architecture and clinical variables as a preventive measure against future lower back problems in individuals with neck pain.

Cervical Sensorimotor Function Tests Using a VR Headset-An Evaluation of Concurrent Validity.

Sensorimotor disturbances such as disturbed cervical joint position sense (JPS) and reduced reaction time and velocity in fast cervical movements have been demonstrated in people with neck pain. While these sensorimotor functions have been assessed mainly in movement science laboratories, new sensor technology enables objective assessments in the clinic. The aim was to investigate concurrent validity of a VR-based JPS test and a new cervical reaction acuity (CRA) test. Twenty participants, thirteen asymptomatic and seven with neck pain, participated in this cross-sectional study. The JPS test, including outcome measures of absolute error (AE), constant error (CE), and variable error (VE), and the CRA test, including outcome measures of reaction time and maximum velocity, were performed using a VR headset and compared to a gold standard optical motion capture system. The mean bias (assessed with the Bland-Altman method) between VR and the gold standard system ranged from 0.0° to 2.4° for the JPS test variables. For the CRA test, reaction times demonstrated a mean bias of -19.9 milliseconds (ms), and maximum velocity a mean bias of -6.5 degrees per seconds (°/s). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between VR and gold standard were good to excellent (ICC 0.835-0.998) for the JPS test, and excellent (ICC 0.931-0.954) for reaction time and maximum velocity for the CRA test. The results show acceptable concurrent validity for the VR technology for assessment of JPS and CRA. A slightly larger bias was observed in JPS left rotation which should be considered in future research.