Differentiating cervical spine and shoulder pathology: common disorders and key points of evaluation and treatment.
Accurately diagnosing patients with self-described pain in the shoulder or cervical spine (neck) remains a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. The overlapping presentations of shoulder disorders with those of the cervical spine, along with a lack of precision in physical examination testing, can create a confusing clinical picture and may result in disorganized or ineffective diagnostic and treatment regimens. A careful physical examination combined with judicious use of adjunctive tests, including selective corticosteroid injections, may help clarify the diagnosis. A high index of suspicion for the presence of cervical spine pathology is recommended in patients presenting with shoulder pain and vice versa.
Associate Professor, Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee.
Thomas Quin
TQ
Throckmorton
Paul
P
Kraemer
John E
JE
Kuhn
Rick C
RC
Sasso
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D010808:Physical Examination; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*