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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aplicación de la técnica manual craneosacral en mujeres que laboran en la Educación Superior

RESUMEN En la actualidad la mayoría de las personas por lo menos una vez en el año presenta una molestia en la estructura del cuello, considerado como cervicalgia o dolor cervical, el mismo que está ocasionando un impacto considerable en la vida de las personas dentro del ámbito familiar, laboral y en la comunidad, provocando efectos negativos en la calidad de vida y en casos severos puede llegar a ocasionar discapacidad y limitación funcional de los movimientos. Por lo que este estudio presentó como objetivo determinar la efectividad de la aplicación de la técnica manual craneosacral en mujeres que laboran en la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. La metodología que se utilizó fue un enfoque cuantitativo- descriptivo con un diseño experimental del tipo pre experimental, con un corte longitudinal, se utilizó como muestra a 31 mujeres que laboran en diversas áreas de la Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil, a su vez, se utilizó como técnica la encuesta, y el instrumento aplicado para la valoración del dolor cervical fue la escala visual analógica del dolor (EVA). Los resultados de esta técnica respecto a la escala visual analógica (EVA) mediante una valoración inicial y final, reflejaron mejoría en el dolor cervical donde el 68% de las pacientes no presentaron dolor, y el 32% reflejan un dolor leve. Se concluyó, que por medio de la técnica manual craneosacral el dolor disminuyo en un gran porcentaje restableciendo los procesos naturales del equilibrio del cuerpo a través de la terapia manual.

ABSTRACT Currently, most people at least once a year have a discomfort in the structure of the neck, considered cervicalgia or cervical pain, which is causing a considerable impact on the lives of people within the family, work and in the community, causing negative effects on the quality of life and in severe cases can lead to disability and functional limitation of movements. Therefore, this study presented the objective of determining the effectiveness of the application of the craniosacral manual technique in women who work at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. The methodology used was a quantitative-descriptive approach with an experimental design of the pre-experimental type, with a longitudinal cut, 31 women who work in various areas of the Santiago de Guayaquil Catholic University were used as a sample, in turn, used the survey as a technique, and the instrument applied for the assessment of neck pain was the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). The results of this technique with respect to the visual analog scale (VAS) through an initial and final evaluation, reflected improvement in cervical pain where 68% of the patients did not present pain, and 32% reflected mild pain. It was concluded that through the craniosacral manual technique, the pain decreased by a large percentage, restoring the natural processes of the body's balance through manual therapy.

RESUMO Atualmente, a maioria das pessoas pelo menos uma vez ao ano apresenta um desconforto na estrutura do pescoço, considerado cervicalgia ou dor cervical, que está causando um impacto considerável na vida das pessoas dentro da família, no trabalho e na comunidade, causando efeitos negativos na qualidade de vida e em casos graves pode levar à incapacidade e limitação funcional dos movimentos. Portanto, este estudo apresentou o objetivo de determinar a eficácia da aplicação da técnica manual craniossacral em mulheres que trabalham na Universidade Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil. A metodologia utilizada foi uma abordagem quantitativo-descritiva com um desenho experimental do tipo pré-experimental, com corte longitudinal, 31 mulheres que trabalham em várias áreas da Universidade Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil foram usadas como amostra, por sua vez, utilizaram a pesquisa como técnica, e o instrumento aplicado para avaliação da cervicalgia foi a escala visual analógica de dor (EVA). Os resultados desta técnica com relação à escala visual analógica (EVA) através de uma avaliação inicial e final, refletiram melhora da dor cervical onde 68% dos pacientes não apresentavam dor, e 32% refletiam dor leve. Concluiu-se que através da técnica manual craniossacral, a dor diminuiu em grande porcentagem, restabelecendo os processos naturais de equilíbrio do corpo através da terapia manual.

Um estudo randomizado controlado sobre a eficácia da diatermia de ondas longas na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento em pacientes com dor cervical / A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of longwave diathermy on pain, disability and range of motion in the patients with neck pain

INTRODUÇÃO: A cervicalgia é uma importante causa de incapacidade em todo o mundo, causada por várias condições como doenças de base, anormalidades mecânicas e neuropáticas. A Diatermia por Ondas Longas (LWD) é uma modalidade de aquecimento terapêutico usada para tratar muitas condições musculoesqueléticas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da LWD na dor, incapacidade e amplitude de movimento (ADM) na dor no pescoço. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: O estudo foi conduzido após aprovação ética da universidade e registro em registro de ensaio clínico (PTY/2022/155 e CTRI/2022/06/043033). 30 pacientes com cervicalgia de 20-60 anos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O grupo controle (n=15) realizou exercícios domiciliares simples, enquanto no grupo experimental (n=15) a diatermia de ondas longas também foi administrada juntamente com exercícios domiciliares, 3 vezes/semana por 2 semanas. As medidas de resultado, como a escala visual analógica (EVA), índice de incapacidade do pescoço (IIP) e amplitude de movimento do pescoço, foram avaliadas na linha de base, no final de 2 semanas (pós-tratamento) e após um acompanhamento de 2 semanas. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Houve melhora significativa da dor, incapacidade e ADM pós-intervenção no grupo controle e no grupo experimental. Além disso, houve diferença significativa na dor após o acompanhamento em ambos os grupos. A comparação entre os grupos sugeriu que houve uma diferença significativa para EVA, IIPe ADM de extensão do pescoço (p<0,05), mas não para ADM em outras direções. Portanto, pode-se concluir que a LWD é uma intervenção terapêutica eficaz para melhorar a dor, a incapacidade do pescoço e a amplitude de movimento do pescoço, juntamente com exercícios de pescoço em pacientes com dor no pescoço.

INTRODUCTION: Neck pain is a significant cause of disability worldwide, caused by various conditions like underlying diseases, mechanical and neuropathic abnormalities. Longwave Diathermy (LWD) is a therapeutic heating modality used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of LWD on pain, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in neck pain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was conducted after ethical approval from the university and registration in clinical trial registry (PTY/2022/155 & CTRI/2022/06/043033). Thirty patients with neck pain of 20-60 years were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n=15) performed simple home-based exercises, while in the experimental group (n=15) longwave diathermy was also given along with home exercises, 3 times/week for 2 weeks. The outcome measures like the Visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and Neck range of motion were assessed at baseline, at the end of 2 weeks (post-treatment), and after a followup of 2 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was a significant improvement in pain, disability, and ROM post-intervention in the control group and experimental group. Additionally, there was a significant difference in pain after follow-up in both groups. The between-group comparison suggested that there was a significant difference for VAS, NDI, and neck extension ROM (p<0.05) but not for ROM in other directions. Therefore, it can be concluded that LWD is an effective therapeutic intervention for improving pain, neck disability, and neck range of motion along with neck exercises in patients with neck pain.

Management of post-cervical laminectomy fusion pain syndrome with a successful trial of spinal cord stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be beneficial in various postsurgical neuropathic pain syndromes, but the already small cervical epidural space due to epidural fibrosis makes cervical spinal cord stimulator placement very difficult. We present a case of successful cervical cord stimulator implantation in a patient with a history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior cervical fusion, and significant epidural fibrosis. METHODS: A 48-year-old woman with a history of type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and fibromyalgia presented with trauma-induced cervicalgia and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy. RESULTS: In a 4-day trial of stimulation, she reported an 80% reduction of her pain and significant improvement in her quality of life. DISCUSSION: Although anecdotal evidence and case series have shown spinal cord stimulation to be successful in cervical failed back surgery syndrome, we are the first to discuss the technical challenges and complications associated with epidural fibrosis.

Physical Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia with Cervicalgia.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effectiveness of a specialized manual physical therapy (PT) program at improving voice among patients diagnosed with concomitant muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and cervicalgia at a tertiary care voice center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cervicalgia was determined by palpation of the anterior neck. Both voice therapy (VT) and PT was recommended for all patients diagnosed with MTD and cervicalgia. PT included full-body manual physical therapy with myofascial release. Patients underwent: 1) VT alone, 2) concurrent PT and VT (PT with VT), 3) PT alone, 4) VT, but did not have PT ordered by treating clinician (VT without PT order) or 5) VT followed by PT (VT then PT). The pairwise difference in post-Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) controlling for baseline variables was calculated with a linear regression model. RESULTS: 178 patients met criteria. All groups showed improvement with treatment. The covariate-adjusted differences in mean post-VHI-10 improvement comparing the VT alone group as a reference were as follows: PT with VT 9.95 (95% confidence interval 7.70, 12.20); PT alone 8.31 (6.16, 10.45); VT without PT order 8.51 (5.55, 11.47); VT then PT 5.47 (2.51, 8.42). CONCLUSION: Among patients diagnosed with MTD with cervicalgia, treatment with a specialized PT program was associated with improvement in VHI-10 scores regardless of whether they had VT. While VT is the standard of care for MTD, PT may also offer benefit for MTD patients with cervicalgia.

The Enduring Controversy of Cervicogenic Vertigo, and Its Place among Positional Vertigo Syndromes.

The idea of cervicogenic vertigo (CV) was proposed nearly a century ago, yet despite considerable scrutiny and research, little progress has been made in clarifying the underlying mechanism of the disease, developing a confirmatory diagnostic test, or devising an appropriately targeted treatment. Given the history of this idea, we offer a review geared towards understanding why so many attempts at clarifying it have failed, with specific comments regarding how CV fits into the broader landscape of positional vertigo syndromes, what a successful diagnostic test might require, and some practical advice on how to approach this in the absence of a diagnostic test.

Comparison of effectiveness of muscle energy technique with Mulligan mobilization in patients with non-specific neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of muscle energy technique with Mulligan mobilisation in patients having non-specific neck pain. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September 2017, and comprised patients of either gender having non-specific neck pain who ere divided into two groups. In group 1 patients, muscle energy technique was used, while group 2 patients had Mulligan mobilisation. Pain intensity, functional status of neck and cervical range of motion were measured before and after treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients, 28(50%) were in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 36.89±9.28 years. Pain intensity, functional status and neck extension range of motion improved significantly more in group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mulligan mobilisation was found to be a better option in managing patients with non-specific neck pain.

Ventosaterapia no alívio da dor cervical em costureiras do sul catarinense / Cupping therapy in the relief of cervical pain in seamstresses from southern Santa Catarina / Terapia con ventosa para aliviar el dolor cervical en costureras del sur de Santa Catarina

Objetivo:identificar os efeitos do método de ventosaterapia no alívio da dor cervical em costureiras de uma confecção do segmento vestuário jeans, na região carbonífera do sul catarinense. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e longitudinal, realizado no segundo semestre de 2019, com a utilização da ventosaterapia durante oito semanas consecutivas em costureiras de uma empresa da linha têxtil no ramo do jeans, entre 40 e 50 anos, que apresentam cervicalgia. Foi utilizado a escala visual analógica para avaliação da dor.Resultados: aamostra foi composta por mulheres com média de 44,75 ± 3,58 anos, que 100% relataram dores antes da ventosaterapia, sendo 75% na cervical e 37,5% sentia essas dores diariamente. Após ventosaterapia, 50% não apresentou dores, 87,5% relatou não atrapalhar nas atividades diárias. Conclusão: foi observado a redução significativa na dor das costureiras, após utilização de terapia com ventosas.

Objective: to identify the effects of the cupping therapy method in the relief of cervical pain in seamstresses of a clothing industry in the jeans industry, in the carboniferous region of southern Santa Catarina. Method: a quantitative and longitudinal study, carried out in the second semester of 2019, with the use of cupping therapy for eight consecutive weeks in seamstresses of a textile company in the jeans industry, between 40 and 50 years old, who have neck pain. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain. Results: the sample consisted of women with an average of 44.75 ± 3.58 years, of which 100% reported pain before cupping therapy, 75% in the cervical and 37.5% experienced these pains daily. After cupping therapy, 50% had no pain, 87.5% reported no disturbance on their daily activities. Conclusion: a significant reduction in the pain of the seamstresses was observed, after the use of cupping therapy.

Objetivo: Identificar los efectos dela terapia comventosaen el alivio del dolor de cuello en costureras de una confección en el segmento de ropa de mezclilla, en la región carbonífera del sur de Santa Catarina.Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y longitudinal, realizado en el segundo semestre de 2019, con el uso de la eólica durante ocho semanas consecutivas en costureras de una empresa de línea textil de la industria del jeans, de entre 40 y 50 años, que presentan dolor de cuello. La escala analógica visual se utilizó para evaluar el dolor. Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por mujeres con un promedio de 44,75 ± 3,58 años, que el 100% refirió dolor antes de la eólica, el 75% en la cervical y el 37,5% sintió estos dolores diariamente. Después de la terapia de viento, el50% no tuvo dolor, el 87,5% informó que no le molestaban las actividades diarias. Conclusión: se observó una reducción significativa del dolor de las costureras, luego del uso de la terapia con ventosa.

Conservative management of neck and thoracic pain in an adult with neurofibromatosis-1.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of a 21-year-old female with previously diagnosed neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) with neck, scapular, lumbar, and temporomandibular discomfort along with headaches. CLINICAL FEATURES: The patient had chronic tightness and pain in the cervicothoracic region as well as pain in the lumbar spine at the site of prior neurofibroma removal. Radiographs demonstrated multilevel osseous changes. In addition to NF-1, she was diagnosed with cervical myalgia, tension-type headaches, and chronic temporomandibular joint disorder. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES: Treatment consisted of a course of manual therapy including cervical flexiondistraction, myofascial release, patient education on workplace ergonomics, and an at-home active care plan. The patient experienced a reduction in pain and headache frequency. SUMMARY: Manual therapy in the form of cervical flexion-distraction with myofascial release and education on workplace ergonomics were effective in reducing neck and thoracic pain as well as reducing headache frequency in a 21-year-old with NF-1.

OBJECTIF: Présenter le cas d'une jeune femme de 21 ans atteinte de neurofibromatose de type 1 (NF1) et ressentant une gêne au cou, aux épaules, à la région lombaire, à l'articulation temporomandibulaire et souffrant de maux de tête. CARACTÉRISTIQUES CLINIQUES: La patiente se plaignait de raideurs chroniques et de douleurs à la région cervicothoracique et à la colonne lombaire au point d'ablation d'un neurofibrome. Les clichés radiographiques montraient des altérations osseuses à plusieurs étages. En plus d'être atteinte de NF1, la patiente avait des myalgies cervicales, des céphalées de tension et un trouble chronique de l'articulation temporomandibulaire. INTERVENTION ET RÉSULTATS: On a opté pour une thérapie manuelle consistant en une décompression discale en flexion-distraction, un relâchement myofascial, l'information sur l'ergonomie du poste de travail et un plan de soins actifs à domicile. Les douleurs et la fréquence des maux de tête de la patiente ont diminué. RÉSUMÉ: La thérapie manuelle sous forme de décompression en flexion-distraction, le relâchement mysofascial et l'information sur les postes de travail ergonomiques ont permis de réduire les douleurs cervicales et thoraciques et la fréquence des maux de tête chez une jeune femme de 21 ans atteinte de NF1.

Prevalence and associated factors with musculoskeletal pain in professionals of the Mobile Emergency Care Service / Prevalência e fatores associados à dor musculoesquelética em profissionais do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The professionals who work in pre-hospital care are exposed to unhealthy environments, which can represent risk factors for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Thus, the objective of this study was to observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in professionals of the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) and identify its associated factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, carried out at three SAMU bases in Pernambuco. Ninety five professionals were evaluated, of both sexes and age range between 21-58 years old, being (n=36: ambulance drivers, n=38: nursing technicians, n=15: nurses and n=6: physicians). For the musculoskeletal pain evaluation, the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms was used. To quantify the intensity of pain, the visual analogue scale was used. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 71.6% (n=68) of the rescuers; of these, only 18% (n=17) mentioned that they already had these pains before their SAMU labor activity. Nursing technicians were the professionals most affected by the musculoskeletal pain (89.5%), followed by nurses (73.3%), ambulance drivers (55.6%) and the physicians (50%). The lumbar spine (53.5%), knees (32.6%) and cervical spine (30.5%) were the body regions most affected by pain and the female sex was associated with musculoskeletal pain presence (p=0.024). CONCLUSION: High musculoskeletal pain prevalence was observed among professionals of SAMU, especially in the nursing professionals. In addition, the female sex was shown to be a factor associated with musculoskeletal pain presence in this group of professionals.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os profissionais do atendimento pré-hospitalar estão expostos a ambientes insalubres, que podem representar fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi observar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética em profissionais do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU) e seus fatores associados. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, realizado em três bases do SAMU de Pernambuco. Foram avaliados 95 profissionais, de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária entre 21 e 58 anos, sendo (n=36: condutores socorristas, n=38: técnicos de enfermagem, n=15: enfermeiros e n=6: médicos). Para a avaliação da dor musculoesquelética foi utilizado o Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms e, para quantificar a intensidade das dores, a escala analógica visual. RESULTADOS: As dores musculoesqueléticas foram relatadas por 71,6% (n=68) dos socorristas, desses, apenas 18% (n=17) mencionaram que já apresentavam tais dores antes das suas atividades laborais no SAMU. Os técnicos de enfermagem foram os profissionais mais acometidos pelas dores musculoesqueléticas (89,5%), seguidos dos enfermeiros (73,3%), dos condutores socorristas (55,6%) e médicos (50%). A coluna lombar (53,5%), os joelhos (32,6%) e a coluna cervical (30,5%) foram regiões corporais mais acometidas pelas dores e o sexo feminino foi um fator associado à presença das dores musculoesqueléticas (p=0,024). CONCLUSÃO: Foi observada elevada prevalência de dor musculoesquelética nos profissionais do SAMU avaliados, sobretudo nos profissionais de enfermagem, Além disso, o sexo feminino foi um fator associado à presença de dor musculoesquelética nesse grupo de profissionais.

Tendinitis calcificante del musculo largo del cuello: presentación de un caso clínico / Calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle: a case report / Tendinite calcificante do músculo longo do pescoço: apresentação de um caso clínico

La tendinitis calcificante del músculo largo del cuello es una patología subdiagnsoticada, de baja frecuencia, autolimitada. Se presenta clínicamente como una de las causas de odinofagia en la consulta médica. Se produce debido al depósito de cristales de hidroxiapatita en espacio retrofaríngeo, desencadenándose una respuesta inflamatoria local. En la TMLC el principal diagnóstico diferencial es el absceso retrofaríngeo, ya que puede presentarse clínicamente con odinofagia, disfagia , disminución de la movilidad del cuello y cervicalgia. En nuestro trabajo se analiza un caso clínico sobre dicha patología, en un hombre de 45 años; realizando un análisis de la sintomatología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta entidad.

Calcific tendinitis of the long neck muscle is an underdiagnosed, low frequency, self-limited pathology. It is clinically presented as one of the causes of odynophagia in the medical consultation. It occurs due to the deposit of hydroxyapatite crystals in the retropharyngeal space, triggering a local inflammatory response. On This patholgy, the main differential diagnosis is retropharyngeal abscess, since it can present clinically with odynophagia, dysphagia, decreased mobility of the neck, and neck pain. In our work, a clinical case of this pathology is analyzed, in a 45-year-old man; performing an analysis of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this entity.

A tendinite calcificante do músculo longo do pescoço é uma patologia subdiagnsoticada, de baixa frequência, autolimitada. Apresenta-se clinicamente como uma das causas de odinofagia na consulta médica. Ocorre devido ao depósito de cristais de hidroxiapatita em espaço retrofaríngeo, desencadeando-se uma resposta inflamatória local. Na TMLC o principal diagnóstico diferencial é o abscesso retrofaríngeo, já que pode apresentar-se clinicamente com odinofagia, disfagia , diminuição da mobilidade do pescoço e cervicalgia. Em nosso trabalho analisa-se um caso clínico sobre essa patologia, em um homem de 45 anos; realizando uma análise da sintomatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento desta entidade.

Headaches in hypermobility syndromes: A pain in the neck?

Headache and neck pain (cervicalgia) are frequently reported among patients with joint hypermobility but the prevalence and scope of these symptoms has not been studied in the era of contemporary Ehlers-Danlos and hypermobility disorder nosology. We performed a single-center retrospective study on the incidence of head and neck symptoms in 140 patients with hypermobility disorders over a 2-year period. Overall, 93 patients (66%) reported either headache or neck pain with 49 of those (53%) reporting both. Migraine (83%) was the most common headache type among those with headache disorders and cervical spondylosis (61%) the most common pathology among those with neck symptoms. Fifty-nine percent of spondylosis patients who underwent cervical facet procedures reported significant improvement in neck and head symptoms. Of patients with both head and neck complaints, 82% had both migraine and spondylosis, which, when combined with the high response rate to injections raises the possibility of cervicogenic headache. In this large multidisciplinary retrospective study of patients with hypermobility disorders, head and neck symptoms were highly prevalent, with migraine and cervical spondylosis common, often coexisting, and frequently responsive to targeted therapy for the cervical spine suggesting that degenerative spinal pathology may cause or contribute to headache symptoms in some patients with hypermobility disorders.

Post-traumatic cephalalgia.

After traumatic brain injury (TBI), a host of symptoms of varying severity and associated functional impairment may occur. One of the most commonly encountered and challenging to treat are the post-traumatic cephalalgias. Post-traumatic cephalalgia (PTC) or headache is often conceptualized as a single entity as currently classified using the ICHD-3. Yet, the terminology applicable to the major primary, non-traumatic, headache disorders such as migraine, tension headache, and cervicogenic headache are often used to specify the specific type of headache the patients experiences seemingly disparate from the unitary definition of post-traumatic headache adopted by ICHD-3. More complex post-traumatic presentations attributable to brain injury as well as other headache conditions are important to consider as well as other causes such as medication overuse headache and medication induced headache. Treatment of any post-traumatic cephalalgia must be optimized by understanding that there may be more than one headache pain generator, that comorbid traumatic problems may contribute to the pain presentation and that pre-existing conditions could impact both symptom complaint, clinical presentation and recovery. Any treatment for PTC must harmonize with ongoing medical and psychosocial aspects of recovery.