title: Laboratory evaluation in neck pain.
abstract: Laboratory investigations for neck pain play a minor role in most cases. When clinical suspicion of infection or tumor arises, however, laboratory testing can provide definitive information to direct the patient's care. Specialized laboratory testing including autoantibody titers can be useful in confirming and categorizing inflammatory arthritides. Judicious use of laboratory tests greatly enhances the physician's ability to provide appropriate care.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, 1440 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. sdreyer@emory.edu
authors.forename: Susan J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Dreyer
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Boden
mesh_terms: D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis*