Utility of restricted neck movement as a diagnostic criterion in case definition for neck disorders.
OBJECTIVE
This study explored the utility of restricted neck movement in epidemiologic case definition for neck disorders.


METHODS
Data on neck pain, sensory symptoms in the arm, psychosocial and physical risk factors for neck disorders, and the range of active neck movements were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire, interview, and physical examination for a community-based sample of 2145 adults aged 25-64 years. The prevalence of neck pain and sensory symptoms was examined according to the extent of neck movements. Logistic regression was used to assess the relation of risk factors to neck disorders, defined by various combinations of pain and restricted movement, and the associations were compared.


RESULTS
The ranges of different categories of neck movement were correlated within persons, and their sum ("total neck movement") was unimodally distributed across persons. The prevalence of neck pain and sensory symptoms was elevated when total neck movement was below the 30th centile, and particularly below the 10th centile. Associations between neck pain and low vitality and poor support at work were stronger when there was also restricted neck movement, but the extent of neck movement did not materially modify the relation of neck pain to physical risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The restriction of total neck movement may serve as a marker of severity in community-based studies of neck disorders, but no indication was found that it distinguishes a subset of cases with a distinct etiology.
Reading
Isabel
I
Medical Research Council Epidemiology Resource Centre, University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Walker-Bone
Karen
K
Palmer
Keith T
KT
Cooper
Cyrus
C
Coggon
David
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009333:Neck / Q000503:physiopathology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology