Cervical Spine Evaluation by Telephone and Video Visit.

Area of Science:

• Telemedicine and Digital Health
• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Primary Care

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates reduced direct patient contact to mitigate contagion risks.
• Advancing telecommunication technologies support remote healthcare delivery, increasing the value of virtual visits.
• Neck pain is a prevalent primary care complaint often amenable to straightforward diagnostic evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose specific questions and maneuvers for evaluating the cervical spine via telephone or video.
• To identify potential diagnoses achievable through remote cervical spine assessment.
• To highlight the utility of telemedicine for managing common musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing telephone and video consultations for patient assessment.
• Developing a structured approach involving specific questioning and guided physical maneuvers.
• Focusing on observable elements like symmetry, range of motion, and functional movement patterns.

Main Results:

• Remote evaluation can yield valuable data on cervical spine symmetry and range of motion.
• Modified strength testing and provocative maneuvers can be effectively performed via telemedicine.
• Telemedicine facilitates the diagnosis of various cervical spine etiologies in a primary care setting.

Conclusions:

• Telephone and video evaluations are effective tools for assessing the cervical spine.
• Telemedicine offers a viable solution for managing neck pain, especially during public health crises.
• Training in telemedicine-based musculoskeletal assessment should be integrated into medical education curricula.