Diagnosis of Cervical Disorders: Exploring a Mechanistic Approach

Abstract 

A current direction in research into cervical disorders is towards investigating the value of a “mechanisms” approach to diagnosis. This commentary reviews some of the research investigating the pathophysiological features of neck pain, in terms of changes in the articular, muscle, sensorimotor and sensory systems. Changes have been found in patterns of cervical muscle activation in cognitive, functional and automatic tasks in neck pain patients. In addition, some patients have been found to have disturbances in features of the postural control system in association with their neck disorders. Altered responses to sensory testing have also been determined, particularly in some patients with whiplash-induced neck pain. The value of this mechanisms approach to diagnosis is in its ability to direct specific treatment strategies to address the precise impairments presenting in the individual neck pain patient. It supports the evidence that indicates that a multimodal approach to management is likely to be most efficacious.

Key words:  cervical spine , diagnosis , classification , impairment

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