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Cervical zygapophyseal joint pain patterns. II: A clinical evaluation
Spine
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Segmental pain charts accurately predict the location of cervical zygapophyseal joint pain. This study confirms their diagnostic value for identifying symptomatic joints in patients experiencing neck pain.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Cervical zygapophyseal joint pain is a common cause of neck pain.
- Accurate localization of symptomatic joints is crucial for effective treatment.
- Segmental pain charts are a potential tool for pain localization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive accuracy of segmental pain charts in identifying symptomatic cervical zygapophyseal joints.
- To assess the clinical utility of pain charts in diagnosing cervical joint pain.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with suspected cervical zygapophyseal pain were enrolled.
- Pain distribution was mapped on body diagrams.
- Two observers used established pain charts to predict the affected joint segment.
- Diagnostic joint blocks confirmed the symptomatic joints.
Main Results:
- Segmental pain charts correctly predicted the symptomatic joint location in all nine patients with confirmed joint pain.
- The diagnostic accuracy of pain charts was validated.
Conclusions:
- Segmental pain charts are a reliable and accurate tool for predicting the segmental location of symptomatic cervical zygapophyseal joints.
- Pain chart utilization can aid in the diagnosis of cervical joint pain.