Serious Cervical Spine Conditions
Original Editor - Rachael Lowe
Top Contributors - Rachael Lowe, Kim Jackson, Simisola Ajeyalemi, Lucinda hampton and Jess Bell
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Clinicians must be aware of the key signs and symptoms associated with serious pathological neck conditions, continually screen for the presence of these conditions, and initiate referral to the appropriate medical practitioner when a potentially serious medical condition is suspected.
When a patient with neck pain reports a history of trauma, the therapist needs to be particularly alert for the presence of cervical instability, spinal fracture, and the presence of or potential for spinal cord or brain stem injury. The Canadian C-Spine Rule can be used to determine when to refer for radiography in individuals following trauma where cervical spine injury is a concern.
- Cervical Arterial Dissection
- Fractures of the Cervical Spine and the Canadian C-Spine Rule
- Cervical Myelopathy
- Cervical Instability
- Cancer, Infection, and Visceral Disorders
