Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Chronic Neck Stiffness After a Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report.

Neck pain is a multifactorial condition, and one common cause is cervical spine injury related to motor vehicle collision (MVC). Injuries from MVCs range from whiplash to cervical spine fracture and can manifest in various ways including neck stiffness, decreased range of motion, and neurological deficits. One method of management currently underutilized is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which can be used to treat pain and range of motion deficits resulting from MVCs. While a few studies in the literature have documented a statistically significant benefit of OMT in chronic pain syndromes, there is little data on its effectiveness in treating patients after MVCs. We present a case of a 25-year-old male who first came to the OMT clinic in January 2021 with complaints of neck pain and stiffness that he attributed to an MVC in February 2020. The collision had led to a loss of consciousness, a concussion, ligamentous injury, and a C5 vertebral fracture. At the OMT clinic, the patient complained of daily headaches associated with "flashes of numbness" throughout his whole body and neck stiffness. The patient was treated initially with a full course of physical therapy, but his symptoms plateaued. He has received OMT about once a month for the past two years. He reported an improved range of motion, no further pain, and decreased neurological symptoms at his most recent visit in October 2023. There is scarce high-quality research demonstrating the effectiveness of OMT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature to document the use of OMT to treat a patient with a history of cervical fracture with chronic pain and stiffness after an MVC. The closest correlate found during our review of the literature was a case report outlining the successful treatment of post-concussion syndrome after an MVC. Based on the improvement of refractory neck pain and range of motion our patient gained from OMT, further research involving randomized controlled trials needs to be conducted on this topic.

Real time ultrasound imaging shows changes in deep neck flexor activation during exercise in individuals with mechanical neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Deep neck flexor muscle atrophy and increased superficial neck muscle activation are associated with disability and pain intensity in individuals with neck pain. There is a lack of evidence to support direct assessment of deep neck flexor muscles in a non-invasive way during exercise performance to help determine the effectiveness of different neck strengthening exercises. OBJECTIVE: Compare longus colli (LC) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) activation between individuals with and without neck pain using real time ultrasound (RTUS) during a series of craniocervical exercises. METHODS: This cross-sectional cohort study recruited 10 control and 10 neck pain participants to complete four deep neck flexor activation activities involving varying levels of craniocervical flexion. Dimensions of the LC and SCM were measured using RTUS at rest and during exercise. Independent t-tests assessed baseline differences and analysis of variance examined activation changes. RESULTS: At rest, the neck pain group had significantly smaller cross-sectional area and thickness of the LC compared to the control group (p< 0.05). During exercise, the neck pain group showed significantly larger increases in LC thickness and cross-sectional area across exercise compared to the control group, with no differences in SCM activation between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite atrophy, individuals with neck pain can activate their deep neck flexor muscles appropriately without activating their superficial neck flexor muscles in a supine series of craniocervical flexion exercise as measured by non-invasive ultrasound imaging.

Multimodal analgesia versus patient-controlled analgesia in the management of acute postoperative spinal pain: systematic review and meta-analysis / Analgesia multimodal versus analgesia controlada pelo paciente no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória da coluna: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spine diseases have a high annual prevalence and are the main causes of years lived with disability and chronic pain. Among the postoperative analgesic control options, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and multimodal analgesia (MMA) have shown good clinical results. This meta-analysis seeks new evidence to help in the treatment of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing spinal surgery. CONTENTS: The following databases were used: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline and Embase. Studies that compared two post-surgical analgesic interventions were included; MMA and PCA. The parameters evaluated were: analgesic effect; opioid consumption; length of hospital stay; and adverse effects. Registration of the systematic review protocol: (PROSPERO CRD42023446627). There was no statistical difference when assessing analgesic improvement comparing MMA to PCA (MD -0.12 [-0.41, 0.17] 95%CI with p=0.69). There was a statistical difference, with lower opioid consumption in MMA compared to PCA (MD -3.04 [-3.69, -2.39] 95%CI with p=0.0002). Statistically significant difference regarding length of hospital stay in favor of MMA (MD -13.17 [-16.98, -9.36] 95%CI with p=0.00001), and significantly lower incidence of nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing MMA in compared to PCA (OR 0.26 [0.11, -0.64] 95%CI with p=0.003). CONCLUSION: MMA was equivalent to PCA in the treatment of acute postoperative spinal pain, with the significant clinical advantage and safety of lower amounts of infused opioids, shorter hospital stay and lower incidence of adverse effects.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As doenças da coluna apresentam alta prevalência anual e são as principais causas de anos vividos com incapacidade e de cronificação da dor. Dentre as opções de controle analgésico pós-operatória, a analgesia controlada pelo paciente (ACP) e a analgesia multimodal (AMM) apresentam bons resultados clínicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar novas evidências que auxiliem no tratamento da dor aguda no pós-operatório do paciente submetido à cirurgia da coluna. CONTEÚDO: As bases de dados utilizadas: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline e Embase. Foram incluídos estudos que compararam duas intervenções analgésicas pós-cirúrgicas; AMM e ACP. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: efeito analgésico; consumo de opioide; tempo de internação hospitalar e efeitos adversos. Registro do protocolo de revisão sistemática: (PROSPERO CRD42023446627). Não houve diferença estatística quando avaliadas a melhora analgésica comparando a AMM à ACP (MD -0,12 [-0,41, 0,17] 95%CI com p=0,69). Houve diferença estatística, com menor consumo de opioide na AMM em comparação à ACP (MD -3,04 [-3,69, -2,39] 95%IC com p=0,0002). Diferença estatística significativa com relação ao tempo de permanência hospitalar a favor da AMM (MD -13,17 [-16,98, -9,36] 95%IC com p=0,00001), e incidência significativamente menor de náuseas e vômitos nos pacientes submetidos a AMM em comparação a ACP (OR 0,26 [0,11, -0,64] 95%IC com p=0,003). CONCLUSÃO: A AMM foi equivalente à ACP no tratamento da dor aguda pós-operatória da coluna, com a significativa vantagem clínica e a segurança de menores quantidades de opioides infundidos, menor tempo de internação hospitalar e menor incidência de efeitos adversos.

[Febrile cervicalgia revealing infectious epiduritis : a case report]. / Cas clinique. Cervicalgies fébriles révélatrices d'une épidurite infectieuse.

Infectious epiduritis and epidural abscesses are relatively rare pathologies but with important neurological consequences. A low incidence associated with an insidious clinical presentation leads to frequent delays in diagnosis, which worsen the prognosis of patients with the development of neurological deficits. While the evaluation of risk factors, a careful clinical examination and biological tests can guide to the diagnosis, the key examination remains magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while lumbar puncture remains contraindicated. Although surgery (spinal decompression) has long been the treatment of choice, the current management of patients with infectious epiduritis is debated between surgery and conservative treatment with systemic antibiotic therapy.

Les épidurites infectieuses et les abcès épiduraux sont des pathologies relativement rares, mais avec des conséquences neurologiques redoutables. Une faible incidence et une présentation clinique souvent insidieuse engendrent de fréquents retards de diagnostic qui péjorent le pronostic des patients avec le développement de déficits neurologiques. Si l'évaluation des facteurs de risque, un examen clinique scrupuleux et des analyses biologiques peuvent guider vers le diagnostic, l'examen-clé reste l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM). La ponction lombaire est contre-indiquée. Bien que l'approche chirurgicale ait longtemps été le traitement de choix, un traitement plus conservateur basé sur une antibiothérapie systémique est également discuté.

Uso de dispositivos móviles y alteraciones cervicales en estudiantes universitarios / Use of mobile devices and cervical disorders in university students / Uso de dispositivos móveis e distúrbios cervicais em estudantes universitários

Las alteraciones cervicales son un problema multifactorial que afecta a la sociedad moderna. Posturas viciosas, traumatismos y defectos congénitos relacionados con la columna cervical pueden desarrollar inestabilidad, pinzamiento radicular, cervicoartrosis y cervicalgias. Objetivo. Relacionar el uso de dispositivos móviles con las alteraciones cervicales en estudiantes universitarios. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional, que se realizó entre los meses de mayo y julio del 2023, cuya muestra fue de 172 estudiantes universitarios que se obtuvo aplicando la fórmula para el cálculo muestral de poblaciones conocidas, mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. Se utilizó el test goniométrico para medir el rango articular, el test postural para identificar las alteraciones posturales, la técnica de palpación para identificar dolor inespecífico, prueba de resistencia para los músculos flexores (NFMET) y extensores (NEET), por último, se realizó la prueba de Spurling para identificar casos de radiculopatías. Resultados. Aunque las relaciones estadísticas no fueron consistentes, se observó que quienes utilizaron más tiempo los teléfonos celulares (87,0%) mostraron más limitaciones cervicales que los usuarios menos frecuentes (73,5%). La movilidad articular fue limitada en el 84,3% de la población, especialmente en varones (93,5%); la resistencia muscular normal en extensión fue más prevalente en el caso de los hombres (84,9%), mientras que la resistencia alterada en flexión fue más prevalente en mujeres (94,9%). Conclusiones. Según los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación, no se encontró suficiente evidencia para determinar una relación estadísticamente significativa (P˃0,05) entre las alteraciones cervicales y el uso de teléfonos celulares, aunque se observó una mayor limitación en el caso de quienes más tiempo utilizaban el dispositivo móvil.

Cervical disorders are a multifactorial problem affecting modern society. Vicious postures, trauma and congenital defects related to the cervical spine can develop instability, radicular impingement, cervicoarthrosis and cervicalgia. Objective. To relate the use of mobile devices with cervical disorders in university students. Materials and methods. Descriptive, observational study carried out between May and July 2023, with a sample of 172 university students obtained by applying the formula for the sample calculation of known populations, by means of non-probabilistic sampling. The goniometric test was used to measure joint range, the postural test to identify postural alterations, the palpation technique to identify non-specific pain, resistance test for flexor (NFMET) and extensor (NEET) muscles, and finally, the Spurling test was performed to identify cases of radiculopathy. Results. Although the statistical relationships were not consistent, it was observed that those who used cell phones longer (87.0%) showed more cervical limitations than less frequent users (73.5%). Joint mobility was limited in 84.3% of the population, especially in men (93.5%); normal muscular endurance in extension was more prevalent in men (84.9%), while impaired endurance in flexion was more prevalent in women (94.9%). Conclusions. According to the results obtained in this investigation, there was not enough evidence to determine a statistically significant relationship (P˃0.05) between cervical alterations and cell phone use, although a greater limitation was observed in the case of those who used the mobile device the longest.

Os distúrbios cervicais são um problema multifatorial que afeta a sociedade moderna. Posturas viciosas, traumas e defeitos congênitos relacionados à coluna cervical podem levar a instabilidade, impacto radicular, cervicoartrose e cervicalgia. Objetivo. Relacionar o uso de dispositivos móveis com distúrbios cervicais em estudantes universitários. Materiais e métodos. Estudo descritivo, observacional, realizado entre maio e julho de 2023, com uma amostra de 172 estudantes universitários obtida pela aplicação da fórmula para o cálculo de amostras de populações conhecidas, por meio de amostragem não probabilística. Foram utilizados o teste goniométrico para medir a amplitude articular, o teste postural para identificar alterações posturais, a técnica de palpação para identificar dores inespecíficas, o teste de resistência para músculos flexores (NFMET) e extensores (NEET) e o teste de Spurling para identificar casos de radiculopatia. Resultados. Embora as relações estatísticas não tenham sido consistentes, observou-se que aqueles que usavam telefones celulares por mais tempo (87,0%) apresentavam mais limitações cervicais do que os usuários menos frequentes (73,5%). A mobilidade articular foi limitada em 84,3% da população, especialmente no sexo masculino (93,5%); a resistência muscular normal em extensão foi mais prevalente no sexo masculino (84,9%), enquanto a resistência prejudicada em flexão foi mais prevalente no sexo feminino (94,9%). Conclusões. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa, não houve evidências suficientes para determinar uma relação estatisticamente significativa (P˃0,05) entre os distúrbios cervicais e o uso de telefones celulares, embora tenha sido observada uma limitação maior no caso daqueles que usaram o dispositivo móvel por períodos mais longos.

The Impact of the Addition of a Physical Therapy Assistant to the Treatment Team for Management of Neck Pain: A Retrospective Analysis of Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics.

Introduction The impact of physical therapy assistants (PTAs) on patient outcomes, mostly in the acute and subacute setting, is well known in the literature. However, no study to date has examined the impact of using PTAs as part of a treatment team in the outpatient setting for common musculoskeletal conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine if physical therapy team composition, either physical therapists (PTs) only or a team consisting of PTs and PTAs, has a significant impact on patient outcomes in adult patients with musculoskeletal neck pain to help investigate an ideal practice pattern for outpatient physical therapy. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study analyzing the impact of physical therapy treatment team composition (PTs only, or team consisting of PTs and PTAs) on pain, active range-of-motion (AROM), and disability outcomes via the Neck Disability Index (NDI) in the conservative treatment of neck pain. All patients were treated with usual physical therapy care. Inclusion criteria involved patients with a diagnosis of neck pain (M48.2), older than 18 years old, a physical therapy evaluation procedure code (97161, 97162, 97163), and at least two visits per bout of physical therapy. Primary outcome measures were pain, bilateral rotation AROM, disability, and number of visits.  Results Included patients (n=195) had an average age of 60.8 years ± 16.1 years with an average number of total physical therapy visits of 7.4 visits ± 4.3 visits (range, 2 visits - 22 visits) with 120 patients (61.5%) treated by a PT only (PT-only group) and 75 patients (38.5%) treated by a team consisting of a PT and a PTA (PTA group). The PT-only group had significantly fewer visits than the PTA group (p<0.001). The PT-only group had a pain improvement of 2.1 points ± 2.3 points whereas the PTA group had a pain improvement of 2.2 points ± 2.4 points with no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.573). The PT-only group (n=46 patients) had an average rotation AROM improvement of 20.0 ± 17.4 degrees whereas the PTA group (n=40 patients) had an average rotation AROM improvement of 16.8 degrees ± 23.0 degrees with no significant difference between the level of rotation AROM improvement between the two groups (p=0.408). Furthermore, there was also no significant difference in the amount of NDI improvement seen in both groups (p=0.594). Conclusion There was no significant difference in patient outcomes for pain, AROM, and disability when PTAs were added to the physical therapy treatment team in the conservative management of neck pain in the outpatient setting. However, patients treated with a treatment team consisting of PTAs had significantly more visits, despite no significant change in outcomes. Randomized controlled trials are needed as the reasons for these findings can be many and require further research.

Remission of Dowager's hump by manipulative correction of spinal alignment: a case report.

Dowager's hump is described as excessive kyphotic curvature in the thoracic spine with a Cobb angle of more than 40 degrees. This case report presents a 61 years old female office clerk who experienced headaches and neck pain for 3 years that extended into her right shoulder and upper chest. She consulted her primary care physician two months before seeing the chiropractor when the neck pain worsened. A diagnosis of cervicalgia related to osteoarthritis was made based on cervical and thoracic X-ray findings. The patient received non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (celecoxib and etoricoxib) and stretching exercises at home. At the onset of chiropractic care, radiographs showed loss of cervical lordosis, narrowing at the C4-5, C5-C6, and C6-7 intervertebral disc space with marginal osteophytes. Based on these findings, a working diagnosis of cervicogenic headache was established. After treatment for 9 months, the patient showed improvement in symptoms and function from cervical curve radiographic change and dextro-convexity of the thoracic spine. Avoiding forward head flexion and maintaining correct posture in daily activities will be key mechanisms to prevent the reoccurrence of Dowager's hump. The improvement of symptoms following chiropractic therapy has been shown to correlate with radiographic markers of spinal realignment.

The impact of neck pain on gait health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence exists demonstrating the negative impacts of chronic musculoskeletal pain on key measures of gait. Despite neck pain being the second most common musculoskeletal pain condition, there is a paucity of evidence exploring the impacts of neck pain specifically on these outcomes. The aims of this work were to systematically review the current evidence of the associations between chronic neck pain and measures of gait health and to conduct meta-analysis for quantitative assessment of the effect sizes under different walking conditions. METHODS: Systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PEDro. Eligible study designs included observational studies consisting of an exposure group with chronic neck pain and control group without chronic neck pain and primary outcomes relating to gait health. For outcomes amenable to meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used to derive summary estimates of Hedge's g depicted graphically with forest plots. Other gait outcomes were narratively summarized. Risk of bias was also assessed. RESULTS: The original search yielded 1918 articles; 12 met final eligibility criteria including 10 cross-sectional studies. Outcomes were grouped first by the five domains of gait: pace, rhythm, asymmetry, variability, and postural control; and second by the tested walking conditions. Meta-analyses for gait speed revealed large effect-sizes indicating that individuals with chronic neck pain had slower measures of gait and lower measures of cadence. Gait outcomes that were narratively summarized supported these findings. CONCLUSION: The quantitative and qualitative findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest a negative impact of CNNP on measures of gait health, particularly gait speed, under various walking conditions. However, broad interpretation of these results should be cautious. Testing gait under dual task conditions may be particularly sensitive to the impact of CNNP, and future work is needed to better understand how pain disrupts this important functionality of the locomotor system. Additionally, consideration should be made to assess measures of variability and investigate these relationships in the older adult population.

The McKenzie Method Is an Effective Rehabilitation Paradigm for Treating Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition frequently managed with numerous conservative interventions. The McKenzie method of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MMDT) is a form of physical therapy evaluation and treatment that aims to improve pain and disability in patients with musculoskeletal pain, including neck pain. To date, no systematic review with meta-analysis has examined the use of the McKenzie MMDT for neck pain. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the McKenzie MMDT in adult patients with neck pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Full search terms were "McKenzie method" OR "McKenzie approach" OR "McKenzie treatment" AND "neck pain." Inclusion criteria were the use of the McKenzie MMDT, level I randomized control trials (RCTs), adults, and outcomes of pain (0-10 scale) and disability (neck disability index). A total of 11 RCTs met the final selection criteria from 1,955 articles on initial search with 289 patients receiving the McKenzie MMDT out of 677 total patients. For meta-analysis, there was a clinically insignificant but statistically significant improvement in pain (1.14/10 points) in patients receiving the McKenzie MMDT versus control interventions (p<0.02). There was no significant improvement in the neck disability index score between the McKenzie MMDT versus control interventions (p=0.19). For severity of pain, there was a clinically and statistically significant improvement in moderate or severe pain (2.06/10 points; p<0.01), but not in mild-to-moderate pain (p=0.84) when comparing the McKenzie MMDT to control interventions. Overall, the McKenzie MMDT provides very small but statistically significant improvements in neck pain of all severity compared to control interventions. However, the McKenzie MMDT does provide clinically and statistically significant pain improvement in moderate-to-severe neck pain. Use of the McKenzie MMDT did not provide any significant improvement in disability compared to control interventions. This study is the first systematic review with meta-analysis on the effectiveness of the McKenzie MMDT for adult patients with neck pain.

Use of Rimegepant in the Management of Cervicogenic Headache Secondary to Trauma: A Case Series.

A cervicogenic headache (CH) originates from a cervical source. Multiple diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for CH are present. Rimegepant is a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP) antagonist. We present a case series of three patients with CH who reported varying degrees of decreased headache intensity after using rimegepant.

Utilization of Clinical Practice Guideline Interventions in the Conservative Management of Mechanical Neck Pain: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition frequently treated by physical therapists. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) in 2008 with a revision in 2017 to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain. One subset of neck pain in the CPG is "Neck Pain with Mobility Deficits," also called mechanical neck pain. Little data exists on the adherence of physical therapists to the CPG-recommended treatments for neck pain as well as the outcomes associated with the utilization of the CPG. The purpose of this study is to examine both CPG treatment adherence and associated outcomes in patients treated for mechanical neck pain by physical therapists in the outpatient setting. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients (n=224) who received physical therapy for neck pain between 2018 and 2022. Data ranges were chosen due to the publication of the CPG revision in 2017. Six interventions for mechanical neck pain from the CPG were examined: thoracic manipulation, cervical mobilization, transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS), dry needling, advice to stay active, and scapular resistance exercises. The exclusion criteria were a history of cervical spine surgery. Other data collected included age, sex, characteristics of the evaluating physical therapist, and the number of visits. RESULTS: For CPG treatment adherence, 4.5% of patients received thoracic manipulation, 47.8% of patients received cervical mobilization, 12.5% of patients received TENS, 22.8% of patients received dry needling, 99.1% of patients received advice to stay active, and 89.3% of patients received scapular resistance exercises. There was no significant improvement in pain, range of motion (ROM), and function based on a number of CPG interventions used during the bout of physical therapy (p=0.17 to p=0.74). Patients who were evaluated by a physical therapist who was an Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) were more likely to receive more interventions recommended by the CPG (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: CPG-recommended treatments are used with varying frequency by physical therapists when treating mechanical neck pain. Thoracic manipulation is rarely used while scapular resistance exercises are frequently used. There was no significant improvement in pain, ROM, or function based on the number of CPG-recommended treatments used during the bout of physical therapy.

Sub-occipital muscle pressure pain thresholds correlate to direction of symptomatic active comfortable sustained neck rotation testing in post-concussive headache: a retrospective observational cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare sub-occipital muscle pressure sub pain thresholds (PPTs) in individuals with persistent-post-traumatic-headache (PPTH) in relation to the presence or not of cranial nerve and/or autonomic symptoms reported during sustained neck rotation (SNR). BACKGROUND: Previously 81% of military service members with PPTH demonstrated symptoms with SNR up to 60 seconds. Of these, 54% reported symptoms in one (Uni-Symp) and 46% in both directions of rotation (Bi-Symp). Sub-occipital PPTs, in relation to SNR direction, were of interest. METHODS: Retrospective review of records of 77 individuals, with PPTH with both SNR and PPTs. Average suboccipital and scalene PPTs were compared between Asymptomatic (n = 13), upon SNR testing, or Symptomatic (Uni-Symp, n = 32, Bi-Symp, n = 32), groups. RESULTS: The Bi-Symp group had significantly reduced sub-occipital PPTs relative to the Asymptomatic group on both sides [p < 0.009] with no side-to-side differences in either group. The Uni-Symp group had significantly lower sub-occipital PPTs on the symptomatic SNR test direction compared to the asymptomatic side [t(31) = 3.37, p = 0.002]. There were no differences within or between groups in the scalene PPTs(p's > 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: An upper cervical mechanical trigger of symptoms during SNR tests in some individuals with PPTH is possible. The direction of symptomatic SNR tests may indicate direction of guarded hypermobile dysfunction and direct treatment.

Crowned dens syndrome: An uncommon mimic of meningitis in the emergency department.

Crowned dens syndrome is characterized by severe neck pain with stiffness of the neck, sometime febrile, due to calcification of the transverse atlas ligament. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman referred to the emergency department with a suspicion of meningitis. Several anamnestic and clinical signs ruled out this hypothesis. Re-evaluation of the CT images enabled us to reach the final diagnosis of crowned dens syndrome.

Analysis of cervical sagittal balance in patients neck pain and no neck pain / Análise do equilíbrio sagital cervical em pacientes com e sem cervicalgia / Análisis del equilibrio sagital cervical en pacientes con y sin cervicalgia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sagittal balance was measured by Hardacker`s et al. using the occipital method COBB C1-C2, C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 in a sample of asymptomatic patients without neck and shoulder pain. In other recent studies, measurements of cervical sagittal balance included several radiographic parameters. Objective: To compare the cervical sagittal balance in groups of patients with and without neck pain submitted to cervical radiography with the upper limbs in flexion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, prospective, descriptive study with radiographic analysis of 50 adults aged between 30 to 70 years old. The group was divided into Group 1: without neck pain, and Group 2: with neck pain. All answered a questionnaire about age and the presence or absence of neck pain. Exclusion criteria were: inadequate X-Ray image, deformity or previous spine surgery, limited shoulder mobility, and individuals younger than 30 and older than 70. The radiographic parameters evaluated were: COBB, TIA ( THORACIC INLET ANGLE), T1 SLOPE, NECKTILT, and COG-C7 with no neck pain. α = 5% (significance when p <0.05). Results: The MANN WHITNEY nonparametric test showed no significant differences between Cobb GROUPS (p= 0.7452), T1 SLOPE GROUPS (p=0.1410), NECKTILT GROUPS (p=0.0852) and GROUPS THORACIC INLET ANGLE (p=0.1789). Conclusion: There was a significant difference only between COG-C7 GROUPS (cm) (p=0.0013). The analysis of the obtained data showed statistical significance in the variation in the COG-C7 groups. Level of Evidence II; Prospective comparative study.

Resumo: Introdução: O equilíbrio sagital foi medido por Hardacker et al. usando o método occipital COBB C1-C2, C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 em uma amostra de pacientes assintomáticos sem dor no pescoço e no ombro. Em outros estudos recentes, as medidas do equilíbrio sagital cervical incluíram vários parâmetros radiográficos. Objetivo: Comparar o equilíbrio sagital cervical em grupos de pacientes com cervicalgia e sem cervicalgia submetidos à radiografia da cervical, com os membros superiores em flexão. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, quantitativo, prospectivo, descritivo, com análise radiográfica de 50 adultos, com idade entre 30 e 70 anos. O grupo foi dividido em Grupo 1: sem cervicalgia e Grupo 2: com cervicalgia. Todos responderam a um questionário sobre idade e presença ou não de dor cervical. Os critérios de exclusão foram: imagem inadequada, deformidade ou cirurgia prévia da coluna, mobilidade limitada do ombro e indivíduos com idade inferior a 30 e superior a 70 anos. Os parâmetros radiográficos avaliados foram: COBB, TIA (ANG THORACIC INLET), T1 SLOPE, NECKTILT e COG-C7 com e sem cervicalgia. α = 5% (significância quando p < 0,05). Resultados: O teste não paramétrico de MANN WHITNEY não mostrou diferenças significativas entre os GRUPOS Cobb (p= 0,7452), GRUPOS SLOPE T1 (p=0,1410), GRUPOS NECKTILT (p=0,0852) e GRUPOS TIA (p=0,1789). Conclusão: Houve diferença significativa apenas entre os GRUPOS COG-C7 (cm) (p=0,0013). A análise dos dados obtidos demonstrou significância estatística em relação à variação nos grupos COG-C7. Nível de evidência II; Estudo comparativo prospectivo.

Resumen: Introcucción: El equilibrio sagital fue medido por Hardacker et al. utilizando el método occipital COBB C1-C2, C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7 en una muestra de pacientes asintomáticos sin dolor del cuello y hombros. En otros estudios recientes, las mediciones del equilibrio sagital cervical incluyeron varios parámetros radiográficos. Objetivo: Comparar el equilibrio sagital cervical en grupos de pacientes con y sin cervicalgia sometidos a radiografía cervical, con los miembros superiores en flexión. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, cuantitativo, prospectivo, descriptivo, con análisis radiográfico de 50 adultos, con edades entre 30 y 70 años. El grupo compartió el Grupo 1: Sin dolor del cuello y el Grupo 2: Dolor de cuello. Todos respondieron un cuestionario sobre edad, dolor de cuello o ausencia de dolor de cuello. Los criterios de exclusión fueron: imagen inadecuada, deformidad o cirugía previa de columna, movilidad limitada del hombro y menores de 30 años y mayores de 70 años. Los parámetros radiográficos evaluados fueron: Cobb, TIA (ANG TORACIC INLET), T1 SLOPE, NECKTILT y COG-C7 con y sin cervicalgia. α = 5% (significación cuando p < 0,05). Resultados: La prueba no paramétrica de MANN WHITNEY no mostró diferencias significativas entre los GRUPOS COBB (p=0,7452), GRUPOS T1 SLOPE (p=0,1410), GRUPOS NECKTILT (p=0,0852) y GRUPOS ANG TORACIC INLET (p=0,1789). Conclusión: Hubo diferencia significativa solo entre los GRUPOS COG-C7 (cm) (p=0,0013). El análisis de los datos obtenidos mostró significancia estática en relación a la variación en los grupos COG-C7. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo.

Impact of cervical pain, neck mobility, and body mass index on teachers' postural control / Impacto da dor cervical, da mobilidade e do índice de massa corporal no controle postural de professores

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the impact of neck pain, neck mobility, and body mass index on teachers' postural control. Methods: a cross-sectional study with 54 state public school teachers, 68.5% (n = 37) being females, with a mean age of 46.5 ± 9.3 years. Data were collected with the following instruments: Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (Brazilian version), force platform in bipedal and semi-tandem stance, visual analog scale, cervical mobility index, and body mass index. Data were analyzed with nonparametric statistics and multiple linear regression; the significance level was set at p<0.05, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: teachers with neck pain and severely impaired neck mobility had greater postural control changes in the semi-tandem stance. In the bipedal stance, those with mild mobility changes and neck pain had a smaller total displacement. Obese teachers had a smaller movement amplitude in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Conclusion: teachers presented with neck pain and severely impaired neck mobility had a worse postural control. Obese teachers had a smaller total amplitude in both movement directions.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o impacto da cervicalgia, mobilidade cervical e índice de massa corporal no controle postural de professores. Métodos: estudo transversal com 54 professores da rede estadual de ensino, com média de idade de 46,5 ± 9,3 anos, dos quais: 68,5% (n = 37) eram do sexo feminino. A coleta de dados teve como base os seguintes instrumentos: Craniocervical Dysfunction Index (versão brasileira), plataforma de força na posição bipodal e semitandem, escala visual analógica, índice de mobilidade cervical e índice de massa corporal. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizada estatística não paramétrica e análise de regressão linear múltipla, com nível de significância p<0,05 e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: os professores com cervicalgia e comprometimento severo da mobilidade cervical tiveram maior alteração do controle postural na posição semitandem. Na posição bipodal, aqueles com leve alteração da mobilidade e dor cervical apresentaram menor deslocamento total, assim como professores obesos demostraram menor amplitude de movimento nas direções anteroposterior e médio-lateral. Conclusão: os professores com cervicalgia e comprometimento severo da mobilidade cervical tiveram pior controle postural. Já os obesos apresentaram menor amplitude total em ambas as direções do movimento.

Frequência de cervicalgia, dependência de smartphone e incapacidade cervical em graduandos de fisioterapia / Frequency of neck pain, smartphone dependence and neck disability in physiotherapy undergraduates / Frecuencia de dolor de cuello, dependencia de teléfono inteligente y discapacidad cervical en estudiantes de fisioterapia

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a frequência de cervicalgia e a associação com dependência do uso de smartphone e incapacidade cervical em graduandos de fisioterapia. Trata-se de um estudo observacional de corte transversal realizado com estudantes de fisioterapia de uma universidade pública do estado da Bahia, entre novembro de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020. Foram utilizados uma ficha de avaliação com dados sociodemográficos, o questionário Neck Disability Index (NDI) para avaliação da incapacidade cervical e o questionário Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR) para rastreio de comportamento dependente de smartphone. As análises foram conduzidas no pacote estatístico Epi-Info (V.3.5.2), sendo estabelecido nível de significância com valor de p < 0,05. A amostra foi composta por 150 estudantes de fisioterapia, sendo a maioria mulheres, com idade média de 22,0 ± 3,0 anos. A frequência de dor cervical no último ano ocorreu em 66% dos entrevistados, com associação estatisticamente significativa apenas para a variável de dor no último ano, em 97% dos estudantes, com o posicionamento cervical em flexão durante o uso de smartphone (p = 0,003). A frequência de cervicalgia nos últimos 12 meses foi elevada nessa população. Este estudo não encontrou associação entre essas variáveis com dependência do uso smartphone e incapacidade cervical em estudantes universitários, entretanto, revelou uma associação entre a frequência de cervicalgia no último ano e o posicionamento em flexão da coluna cervical durante o uso de smartphone.

This study sought to investigate the frequency of neck pain and its association with smartphone dependence and neck disability in physiotherapy undergraduates. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with physiotherapy students from a public university in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between November 2019 and February 2020. Data were collected by means of an evaluation form with sociodemographic data, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire for assessing neck disability, and the Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR) questionnaire for screening smartphone-dependent behavior. Analyses were performed using the Epi-Info statistical package (V.3.5.2), and a significance level of p-value < 0.05. The study sample consisted of 150 physiotherapy students, mostly women, with a mean age of 22.0 ± 3.0 years. Frequency of neck pain in the last year occurred in 66% of respondents, with a statistically significant association only for the variable pain in the last year in 97% of students with neck flexion positioning while using a smartphone (p = 0.003). Frequency of neck pain in the past 12 months was high in this population. This study found no association between these variables with smartphone dependence and cervical disability in university students; however, it did reveal an association between frequency of neck pain in the past year and flexion positioning of the cervical spine during smartphone use.

El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la frecuencia del dolor de cuello y su asociación con la dependencia del uso de teléfonos inteligentes y la discapacidad cervical en estudiantes de pregrado de fisioterapia. Este es un estudio observacional, transversal, realizado con estudiantes de fisioterapia de una universidad pública del estado de Bahía (Brasil), entre noviembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. Se utilizó un formulario de evaluación con datos sociodemográficos, el cuestionario Neck Disability Index (NDI) para evaluar la discapacidad cervical, y el cuestionario Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR) para evaluar el comportamiento dependiente de los teléfonos inteligentes. Los análisis se realizaron utilizando el paquete estadístico Epi-Info (V.3.5.2), con un nivel de significancia de p < 0,05. La muestra estuvo formada por 150 estudiantes de fisioterapia, la mayoría mujeres, con una edad media de 22,0 ± 3,0 años. La frecuencia de dolor cervical en el último año ocurrió en el 66% de los encuestados, con una asociación estadísticamente significativa solo para la variable dolor en el último año en el 97% de los estudiantes, con el posicionamiento en flexión cervical al usar un teléfono inteligente (p = 0,003). La frecuencia de dolor de cuello en los últimos 12 meses fue alta en esta población. Este estudio no encontró asociación entre estas variables con la dependencia del uso de teléfonos inteligentes y la discapacidad cervical en estudiantes universitarios, sin embargo, sí reveló una asociación entre la frecuencia de dolor de cuello en el último año y la posición en flexión de la columna cervical durante el uso de teléfono inteligente.

Un caso raro de cervicalgia / A rare case of cervicalgia

OBJETIVO Subrayar la importancia del diagnóstico detallado del dolor y realizar autocrítica por la tardanza diagnóstica de una cervicalgia mecánica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS Se presenta una paciente con dolor súbito en el cuello, con radiografías y exploración normales. La resonancia magnética (RM) resultó aparentemente anodina y se trató como cervicalgia mecánica. Tras varias consultas con el Servicio de Urgencias, se realizó una radiografía que informó de anomalía entre las primeras vértebras y se amplió con una tomografía computarizada (TC) que reveló fractura de odontoides y destrucción de la segunda cervical de origen metastásico.RESULTADOS La paciente fue tratada con radioterapia más collarín cervical y varios ciclos de quimioterapia, y falleció a los dos años.DISCUSIÓN Los cánceres que más frecuentemente metastatizan en la columna vertebral son los de mama, pulmón y próstata, siendo las localizaciones más frecuentes la torácica (70%), la lumbar (20%) y, por último, la cervical (10%). Cuando el tumor se descubre como metástasis, como en nuestro caso, estos pacientes tienen una alta tasa de mortalidad. Según nuestro conocimiento, en la literatura hay pocos casos descritos de neoplasias descubiertas como fractura patológica de odontoides. CONCLUSIÓN El dolor cervical no mecánico debido a una metástasis en odontoides, a consecuencia de una neoplasia de pulmón no diagnosticada, es un caso raro en la literatura y de complejo diagnóstico, en que una historia clínica detallada de la evolución del dolor y la presencia de signos de alarma son de vital importancia para su sospecha y rápido diagnóstico, mediante técnicas como la RM.

OBJETIVE To underline the importance of a detailed diagnosis of pain and perform self-criticism regarding the delay in diagnosis of a case of mechanical cervicalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We present the case of a patient with sudden neck pain, with normal X-rays. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was apparently unremarkable, and the condition was treated as mechanical cervicalgia. After several consultations in the Emergency Department, a new X-ray was performed, which showed an anomaly between the first vertebrae and is accompanied by a computed tomography (CT) scan that revealed a fracture of the odontoid apophysis and destruction of the second cervical vertebra of metastatic origin. RESULTS The patient was treated with radiotherapy plus cervical collar and several cycles of chemotherapy, and died two years later. DISCUSSION The cancers that most frequently metastasize to the spine are those of the breast, lung and prostate, with the most frequent location being thoracic (70%), lumbar (20%), and, finally, cervical (10%). When the tumor is discovered as a metastasis, as in our case, these patients have a high mortality rate. To our knowledge, few cases of neoplasms discovered as pathological fractures of the odontoid apophysis have been described in the literature. CONCLUSION Non-mechanical cervicalgia due to metastasis of the odontoid apophysis as a result of an undiagnosed lung neoplasm is a rare case in the literature and a complex diagnosis, in which a detailed clinical history of the evolution of pain and the presence of red flags are of vital importance for its suspicion and rapid diagnosis, through techniques such as MRI.

Variabilidad interobservador del baremo de tráfico (Ley 35/2015) y utilidad de las pruebas biomecánicas en la valoración de las secuelas / Inter-observer variability of the traffic rate system (law 35/2015) and utility of biomechanical tests in the assessment of sequels

Introducción: la Ley 35/2015 valora daños y perjuicios en los accidentes de circulación y trata de garantizar una respuesta igualitaria ante situaciones idénticas. La valoración funcional biomecánica (VFB) es una prueba médica complementaria que aporta objetividad en la evaluación de la cervicalgia postraumática. Este estudio analiza la variabilidad interobservador del sistema de valoración de la Ley 35/2015 y estudia el efecto de la VFB y del perfil del evaluador en la determinación de secuelas.Material y métodospara ello, 49 profesionales de la valoración del daño corporal evaluaron 5 casos clínicos de accidentados con cervicalgia postraumática; un mes más tarde, 35 de los anteriores valoraron los mismos casos incluyendo informe de VFB.Resultadoshay una elevada variabilidad en la determinación de los días de perjuicio personal (coeficientes kappa entre 0,04 y 0,073) con o sin VFB; una elevada variabilidad interobservador en la valoración de las secuelas en los casos sin VFB (coeficientes kappa entre 0,022 y 0,044), que mejora discretamente con VFB (coeficientes kappa entre 0,128 y 0,26), aún mostrando concordancia débil. El resultado de la VFB tiene influencia en la determinación de las secuelas (p < 0,01), no así el perfil del evaluador. Más del 79,4% de los evaluadores encontraron útiles las pruebas para poner de manifiesto o confirmar sintomatología, recuperación o simulación.Conclusionesexiste variabilidad en la aplicación de la Ley 35/2015 para la valoración de los accidentados de tráfico con cervicalgia postraumática entre los profesionales del daño corporal. La VFB resulta de utilidad para los evaluadores y tiene influencia en la determinación de las secuelas. (AU)

Introduction: Law 35/2015 assesses damages in traffic accidents and tries to guarantee an equal response to identical situations. Biomechanical functional assessment (BFA) is a complementary medical test that provides objectivity in the evaluation of post-traumatic neck pain. This study analyzes the interobserver variability of the assessment system defined by Law 35/2015 and studies the effect of having BFA tests and the profile of the evaluator in determining sequelae.Materials and methodsTo do this, 49 professionals in the assessment of bodily injury evaluated 5 clinical cases of accident victims with post-traumatic neck pain; a month later, 35 of them assessed the same cases including a BFA report.ResultsThe results show high variability in determining the days of personal injury (Kappa coefficients between 0.04 and 0.073) with or without BFA; high interobserver variability in the assessment of sequelae in cases without BFA (Kappa coefficients between 0.022 and 0.044), which slightly improves with BFA (Kappa coefficients between 0.128 and 0.26), even showing weak concordance. The BFA has an influence on the determination of sequelae (p < 0.01), but the profile of the evaluator does not. More than 79.4% of the evaluators found the BFA tests useful to reveal or to confirm symptoms, recovery, or simulation.ConclusionsThere is variability in the application of Law 35/2015 for the assessment of traffic accidents among professionals of bodily injury. The BFA is useful for evaluators and influences the determination of sequelae. (AU)

Cervical Facet Joint Pain and Cervicogenic Headache Treated With Radiofrequency Ablation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is often multifactorial and is a leading cause of pain and disability. Cervical facet joint pain is a common cause of neck pain and, in addition to more conservative modalities, can be treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the respective medial branch nerves. Cervicogenic headaches are a frequent complaint in pain clinics in the United States and can be targeted via a similar procedural approach. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated randomized controlled trials of cervical facet joint pain and cervicogenic headaches with the goal of establishing a current level of evidence for treating these etiologies of pain with RFA. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Database search, from inception through July 2021, was performed identifying randomized controlled trials for cervical medial branch RFA. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies to identify those meeting criteria. Primary outcome measures included pain relief and duration of pain relief. Secondary outcome measures included function, sleep, mood, return to work, additional treatments, and complications. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled studies met inclusion criteria and were selected for this review, each demonstrated low risk of bias. Of these studies, 3 were unique with the fourth being a subgroup analysis. Primary outcome measures of pain relief and duration of relief were variable with successful relief ranging from 30% to 50% and median duration of pain relief also demonstrating a wide variety. Function and psychological distress were also variably reported and found variable relief to treatment with no difference between groups in 2 of the studies. LIMITATIONS: Primary limitations of the review are the paucity of randomized controlled trials and the variability in measured outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this systematic review, efficacy of cervical facet RFA in treatment of chronic neck pain has Level II evidence.

Prevalence of trigeminocervical convergence mechanisms in episodic and chronic migraine / Prevalência de mecanismos de convergência trigeminocervical na migrânea episódica e crônica

Abstract Background: Migraine pain location and trigeminocervical convergence have limited diagnostic value and have usually been assessed using non-standard verbal descriptors in a small number of centers. Objective: To use non-verbal descriptors of migraine pain location to determine the prevalence of trigeminocervical convergence mechanisms in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. In addition, we explored the factors associated with the presence of convergence. Methods: A multicenter study was carried out. The explicit pain location was explored by asking subjects to indicate, on an electronic form, three points on the anterolateral side and three points on the posterolateral side of the head and neck that represented the common locations of their migraine pain. We evaluated associations of the pain pattern with demographic and psychological features, comorbidities, lifestyle and other headache characteristics. Results: 97 episodic and 113 chronic migraine patients were included. Convergence was present in 116 migraineurs (55%) who indicated dominance of pain in the posterior cervical region. This site was more often involved in the chronic migraine group (21 vs. 33%; p=0.034). The number of migrainous/altered sensitivity symptoms (OR=1.39; 95%CI 1.14-1.71) was associated with convergence independently of the chronification status. In this symptom group, there were statistical associations between convergence and vomiting (p=0.045), tactile allodynia (p<0.001), nuchal rigidity (p<0.001) and movement allodynia (p=0.031). Conclusions: Trigeminocervical convergence is common in migraineurs and, in practice, it might be found frequently in chronic migraineurs. Some features commonly found in this group, such as altered sensitivity symptoms, are associated with this phenomenon.

RESUMO Antecedentes: A localização da dor da migrânea e a convergência trigeminocervical têm valor diagnóstico limitado geralmente sendo avaliadas por meio de descritores verbais não padronizados em um pequeno número de centros. Objetivo: Usar descritores não verbais da localização da dor migranosa para determinar a prevalência de mecanismos de convergência trigeminocervical em pacientes com migrânea episódica e crônica. Além disso, exploramos os fatores associados à presença de convergência. Métodos: Um estudo multicêntrico foi realizado. A localização explícita da dor foi explorada solicitando aos migranosos que indicassem, em um formulário eletrônico, três pontos no lado anterolateral e três pontos no lado posterolateral da cabeça e pescoço representando a localização comum de sua dor migranosa. Avaliamos a associação do padrão de dor com características demográficas e psicológicas, comorbidades, estilo de vida e outras características da cefaleia. Resultados: 97 pacientes com migrânea episódica e 113 com migrânea crônica foram incluídos. A convergência esteve presente em 116 migranosos (55%) que indicaram um predomínio da dor na região cervical posterior. Este local estava mais frequentemente envolvido no grupo migrânea crônica (21 vs. 33%; p=0,034). O número de sintomas de migrânea/sensibilidade alterada (OR=1,39; IC95% 1,14-1,71) foi associado à convergência independentemente do estado de cronificação. Nesse grupo de sintomas, houve associações entre convergência e vômito (p=0,045), alodinia tátil (p<0,001), rigidez de nuca (p<0,001) e alodinia ao movimento (p=0,0031). Conclusões: A convergência trigeminocervical é comum em pacientes com migrânea e, na prática, podemos encontrá-la com frequência em pacientes com migrânea crônica. Algumas características comumente encontradas nesse grupo, como sintomas de sensibilidade alterada, estão associadas a esse fenômeno.