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Sensorimotor function and dizziness in neck pain: implications for assessment and management
Eythor Kristjansson1, Julia Treleaven
1Faculty of Medicine, The University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. eythork@simnet.is
Summary
Altered cervical afferent input can cause sensorimotor deficits impacting postural control. Specific treatments addressing neck proprioception are needed for persistent neck pain and related symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Orthopaedics
- Physiotherapy
Background:
- Sensorimotor function integrates afferent, efferent, and central processing for stability.
- Cervical mechanoreceptors are crucial for postural and head/eye movement control.
- Conventional treatments may be insufficient for neck pain with sensorimotor deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight sensorimotor deficits from altered cervical afferent input.
- To discuss implications for clinical assessment and management.
- To propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Clinical experience and research synthesis.
- Level 5 evidence.
Main Results:
- Cervical sensorimotor disturbances can contribute to neck pain persistence or progression.
- Peripheral mechanoreceptors play a key role in joint and postural stability.
- Conventional musculoskeletal interventions may not address specific proprioceptive deficits.
Conclusions:
- Specific sensorimotor deficits in the cervical region require targeted interventions.
- Treatments should address neck position sense, oculomotor control, and postural stability.
- Novel approaches are needed for cervicogenic dizziness and related symptoms.
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