Neck pain is a common problem. The majority of cases are due to poor posture or cervical spondylosis. If there has been a history of trauma, extreme care must be exercised in examination of the neck and any X-rays must be strictly supervised. Acquired Degenerative Figure 48 A lateral radiograph of the cervical spine showing cervical spondylosis. Torticollis may be congenital and present at birth due to sternomastoid ‘tumour’. This is a rare condition often associated with breech delivery. Klippel–Feil syndrome is rare and is characterised by developmental abnormalities of the cervical vertebrae and a high-riding scapula. History of trauma may be evident and it is important to screen for any neurological sequelae, e.g. arm pain or weakness or bladder symptoms. Whiplash injuries are common. These occur in road traffic accidents where the car is struck from behind. The neck extends with sudden acceleration and flexes forward with sudden deceleration.
Neck Pain
Causes
There is gross anterior lipping of C5, 6 and 7. There is marked narrowing of the disc spaces. There will be pain and stiffness in the neck with pain radiating down the arm in the distribution of the nerve roots affected.
History
Congenital
Acquired
Traumatic
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