Derivation of a Clinical Decision Guide in the Diagnosis of Cervical Facet Joint Pain

Radiofrequency Denervation of the Spine and the Sacroiliac Joint: A Systematic Review based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assesment, Development, and Evaluation Approach Resulting in a German National Guideline

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature and subsequent meta-analysis for the development of a new guideline.

OBJECTIVES

This manuscript summarizes the recommendations from a new clinical guideline published by the German Spine Society. It covers the current evidence on recommendations regarding the indication, test blocks and use of radiofrequency denervation. The guidelines aim is to improve patient care and efficiency of the procedure.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary working group formulated recommendations based on the Grades of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

RESULTS

20 clinical questions were defined for guideline development, with 87.5% consensus achieved by committee members for one recommendation and 100% consensus for all other topics. Specific questions that were addressed included clinical history, examination and imaging, conservative treatment before injections, diagnostic blocks, the injected medications, the cut-off value in pain-reduction for a diagnostic block as well as the number of blocks, image guidance, the cannula trajectories, the lesion size, stimulation, repeat radiofrequency denervation, sedation, cessation or continuation of anticoagulants, the influence of metal hardware, and ways to mitigate complications.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the spine and the SI joint may provide benefit to well-selected individuals. The recommendations of this guideline are based on very low to moderate quality of evidence as well as professional consensus. The guideline working groups recommend that research efforts in relation to all aspects of management of facet joint pain and SI joint pain should be intensified.

Cervicogenic headache

INTRODUCTION

Cervicogenic headache, first proposed as a distinct headache in 1983, is a secondary headache to a primary cervical musculoskeletal disorder. Research into physical impairments was integral to clinical diagnosis and to develop and test research informed conservative management as the first line approach.

PURPOSE

This narrative presents an overview of the body of cervicogenic headache research from our laboratory which was undertaken in the context of a broad program of research into neck pain disorders.

IMPLICATIONS

Early research validated manual examination of the upper cervical segments against anaesthetic nerve blocks, which was vital to clinical diagnosis of cervicogenic headache. Further studies identified reduced cervical motion, altered motor control of the neck flexors, reduced strength of flexor and extensor muscles, and occasional presentation of mechanosensitivity of the upper cervical dura. Single measures are variable and not reliable in diagnosis. We proved that a pattern of reduced motion, upper cervical joint signs and impaired deep neck flexor function accurately identified cervicogenic headache and differentiated it from migraine and tension-type headache. The pattern was validated against placebo controlled diagnostic nerve blocks. A large multicentre clinical trial determined that a combined program of manipulative therapy and motor control exercise is effective in the management of cervicogenic headache and outcomes are maintained in the long term. More specific research into cervical related sensorimotor controlled is warranted in cervicogenic headache. Further adequately powered clinical trials of current research informed multimodal programs are advocated to further strengthen the evidence base for conservative management of cervicogenic headache.

Subgrouping individuals with migraine associated neck pain for targeted management

INTRODUCTION

Neck pain is one of the most common and burdensome symptoms associated with migraine. Many individuals with migraine and neck pain seek neck treatment, but evidence for such treatment is limited. Most studies have treated this population as a homogenous group, providing uniform cervical interventions that have yet to show clinically important effects. However, different neurophysiological and musculoskeletal mechanisms can underlie neck pain in migraine. Targeting treatment to specific underlying mechanisms may therefore be the key to improving treatment outcomes. Our research characterised neck pain mechanisms and identified subgroups based on cervical musculoskeletal function and cervical hypersensitivity. This suggests that specific management aimed towards addressing mechanisms relevant to each subgroup might be beneficial.

PURPOSE

This paper explains our research approach and findings to date. Potential management strategies for the identified subgroups and future research directions are discussed.

IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should perform skilled physical examination with the aim of identifying if patterns of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction and or hypersensitivity are present in the individual patient. There is currently no research into treatments differentiated for subgroups to address specific underlying mechanisms. It is possible that neck treatments addressing musculoskeletal impairments may be most beneficial for those subgroups where neck pain is primarily due to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Future research should define treatment aims and select specific subgroups for targeted management to determine which treatments are most effective for each subgroup.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Headache production during physical examination in patients with and without headache attributed to a whiplash injury: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Provocation of headache on physical examination of the neck may reflect a role of cervical structures in the presence of acute whiplash-associated headache (WAH).

OBJECTIVE

To determine differences in headache provocation during physical tests in people with and without WAH after a whiplash injury.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Forty-seven people with acute whiplash-associated disorders participated, 28 with WAH. Passive accessory intervertebral movement over the tubercle of C1, the spinous processes of C2-C3 and facet joints of C0-C4, the flexion-rotation test (FRT), manual palpation of cranio-cervical muscles and the upper limb neurodynamic test + cranio-cervical flexion were assessed bilaterally twice by a blinded examiner; headache provocation was determined. Cohen's kappa and Chi-squared were determined to evaluate the intra-rater reliability of test results and differences between groups, respectively. A logistic regression model was also performed.

RESULTS

Intra-rater reliability of headache provocation was good or excellent for most tests. Significant differences between groups were found with higher positive tests in WAH for the assessment of C2 (68%), the most painful side of C0-C1 (57%), C1-C2 (75%) and C2-C3 (53%), most (79%) and least (25%) restricted sides of the FRT, and manual palpation of the most painful side for the trapezius (53%), masseter (50%) and temporalis (46%) muscles. Provocation of headache during the assessment of C2 and C1-C2 on the most painful side demonstrated the highest association with WAH.

CONCLUSION

Mechanical provocation of headache is more frequent in people with WAH than in those without headache soon after a whiplash injury.

Perception and knowledge of learners about the use of 3D technologies in manual therapy education - a qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

Manual therapy is a specific hands-on approach used and taught by various professions such as physiotherapy and osteopathy. The current paradigm of teaching manual therapy incorporates the traditional 'See one, do one, teach one' approach. However, this 'teacher centred' approach may not enable learners to develop the complex clinical skills of manual therapy. In this context, 3D technologies such as virtual reality may facilitate the teaching and learning of manual therapy. Hence the aim of the current study was to investigate the perception, knowledge and attitude of manual therapy learners about the use of 3D technologies in manual therapy education.

METHODS

An exploratory qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was used in this study. A total of ten manual therapy (5 physiotherapy and 5 osteopathic) students (mean age = 32; 80% female) enrolled in an appropriate physiotherapy or osteopathic degree provided by a New Zealand recognized institution (e.g., university or polytechnic) participated in this study. Data saturation was achieved after 10 interviews (average duration: 35 min) that provided thick data. A thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Six factors were identified which appeared to influence participants' perception of role of technology in manual therapy education. These were (1) the sufficiency of current teaching method; (2) evolution as a learner (a novice to an expert); (3) need for objectivity; (4) tutor feedback; (5) knowledge and (6) barriers and enablers. These six factors influenced the participants' perception about the role of 3D technologies in manual therapy education with participants evidently taking two distinct/polarized positions ('no role' (techstatic) versus a 'complete role' (techsavvy)).

CONCLUSION

Although 3D technology may not replace face-to-face teaching, it may be used to complement the traditional approach of learning/teaching to facilitate the learning of complex skills according to the perceptions of manual therapy learners in our study. The advantage of such an approach is an area of future research.

Cervical facet joint platelet-rich plasma in people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: A prospective case series of longer term 6- and 12- month outcomes

Objective

To explore the 6- and 12-month effectiveness of a single autologous injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in cervical facet joints of people with chronic WAD and facet-mediated pain.

Design

A prospective case series of people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders and cervical facet joint mediated pain in a community setting.

Interventions

We investigated 44 consecutive people who underwent cervical facet joint PRP ( ​± ​adjunct physiotherapy) between 2019 and 2021, selected for PRP based on 80% relief following single diagnostic medial branch blocks or 50% relief and a significant improvement in performing a previously limited activity of daily living.

Measures

Measures of pain (numerical pain rating scale - NPRS) and disability (Neck Disability Index - NDI) were collected prior to and 3-, 6- and 12- months following cervical facet joint PRP in an electronic registry database. Success was defined as those exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain (>15%) and disability (>10%). We also calculated the proportion of people with greater than 50% relief of pain. People not reached for follow-up were considered failures for worst-case analysis.

Results

Forty-four people (82% female, mean age ​= ​45.2 (range: 25-71) years) underwent cervical facet joint PRP. Nine people received repeat PRP interventions. Thirty-five people provided 12-month data. There was a significant improvement in pain and disability following PRP (and possibly adjunct physiotherapy) received during this time period. At 12-months, 53% of people exceeded MCID for pain, reporting a mean improvement of 66% (95%CI: 55-77%) on the NPRS. For NDI scores, 69% of people exceeded MCID, reporting a mean improvement of 48% (95%CI: 38-58%). Thirty-seven percent of people reported greater than 50% relief of pain 12-months post-cervical facet joint PRP.

Conclusion

In people with chronic WAD and facet-mediated pain, our long-term data suggests that PRP (and possibly adjunct physiotherapy) is effective. A controlled study is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of PRP.

Physical testing in patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders: A within session test-retest reliability study

BACKGROUND

People with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) commonly present with a variety of physical impairments. However, the reliability of physical tests has not been established for patients with acute WAD.

OBJECTIVE

To assess test-retest reliability of different physical tests in acute WAD.

DESIGN

Intra-rater test-retest reliability.

METHODS

Patients with acute WAD were recruited. Physical tests were used to evaluate articular, muscular and neural systems in two blocks of measurements separated by 10 min. Bland-Altman plots were performed to assess intrarater agreement, which included calculation of the mean difference (d) between rates, the 95% CI for d, the standard deviation of the differences and the 95% limits of agreement. Reliability was calculated via the standard error of measurement, the minimal detectable change, percent of agreement, the intraclass-correlation coefficient, and kappa coefficient.

RESULTS

47 patients participated. Test-retest reliability was excellent or good for almost all measures, except for extension ROM, ULTT for the radial nerve, and active cervical extension and upper cervical rotation performed in 4-point kneeling, which presented moderate reliability. Systematic bias was found in cervical ROM in flexion, left and right lateral-flexion, left and right rotation; left ULTT for radial nerve; right trapezius, suboccipitalis and temporalis muscles, left temporalis; C3, both sides of C1-C2, left C3-C4.

CONCLUSION

The majority of physical tests achieved good or excellent test-retest intra-rater reliability when tested in patients with acute WAD. Findings must be considered with caution for those tests which demonstrated systematic bias. Additional research is warranted to evaluate inter-rater reliability.

Biopsychosocial Approach in Identifying Risk Factors of Kinesiophobia in Persons with Subacromial Pain Syndrome and Developing a Clinical Prediction Tool

Introduction

Although the negative effects of kinesiophobia on functional status in subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) patients are clearly demonstrated, no study examines the risk factors of kinesiophobia in individuals with SAPS from a biopsychosocial perspective. The present study aims to determine the risk factors of kinesiophobia in individuals with SAPS using a biopsychosocial approach. This study also aims to explore the compounding effects of multiple associative risk factors by developing a clinical prediction tool to identify SAPS patients at higher risk for kinesiophobia.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study included 549 patients who were diagnosed with SAPS. The Tampa-Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was used to assess kinesiophobia. Visual analog scale (VAS), The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the presence of metabolic syndrome, using any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Illness Perception Questionnaire-revised (IPQ-R), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), behavioral pattern of the patient, sociodemographic characteristics, and treatment expectancy were outcome measures.

Results

Thirteen significant risk factors of having kinesiophobia were: VASat rest (≥ 5.2), VASduring activity (≥ 7.1), DASH (≥ 72.1), presence of metabolic syndrome, PCShelplessness (≥ 16.1), IPQ-Rpersonal control (≤ 17.1), IPQ-Rtreatment control (≤ 16.3), HADSdepression (≥ 7.9), avoidance behavior type, being female, educational level (≤ high school), average hours of sleep (≤ 6.8), and treatment expectancy (≤ 6.6). The presence of seven or more risk factors increased the probability of having high level of kinesiophobia from 34.3 to 51%.

Conclusions

It seems necessary to address these factors, increase awareness of health practitioners and individuals.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

Ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Cervical facet joints are a common cause of chronic neck pain. Radiofrequency neurotomy is a validated treatment technique for cervical facet joint pain, but the role of intra-articular injections is less clear. Ultrasound guidance can be used to inject the cervical facet joints. Given that the accuracy of any injection technique is likely to affect treatment outcomes, it would be useful to know the accuracy of ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections using a lateral technique. The secondary purpose was to describe the technique.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Cohort study of ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections performed by an experienced spine and ultrasound interventionist, as assessed by contrast dye arthrography at a community interventional spine practice.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Sixty joints in 36 patients with facet mediated pain.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Accuracy of ultrasound-guided injections as determined by the percent of fluoroscopic contrast dye patterns interpreted to be intra-articular by the operator and an independent imaging specialist. Confidence intervals were determined using binomial "exact" and normal approximation to the binomial calculations.

METHODS

Ultrasound using a long-axis or in-plane approach was used to guide a needle into a facet joint, followed by injection of contrast dye and a lateral fluoroscopic image. The dye pattern was interpreted by the operator. Depending on the pattern, local anesthetic and corticosteroid were injected. The patient was asked whether their neck pain had resolved. If not resolved, another joint was selected and the process was repeated. At the end of the study, all of the contrast patterns were interpreted independently by the imaging specialist. Funding was through a 501(c)(3) foundation without any commercial or sponsorship interests.

RESULTS

The accuracy of ultrasound-guided cervical facet joint injections using the lateral technique ranged from 92% to 98% depending on the criteria used to confirm an intra-articular contrast pattern (95% CI: 0.82-0.97 to 0.91-1.0, and 0.85-0.99 to 0.95-1.00). The distribution of injections was C2-3 (22%), C3-4 (40%), C4-5 (33%) and C5-6 (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical facet joint injections can be performed with a high degree of accuracy using a lateral ultrasound-guided technique. As with fluoroscopy-guided cervical facet joint injections, the technique requires a careful approach and a high degree of skill.

Head Pitch Angular Velocity Discriminates (Sub-)Acute Neck Pain Patients and Controls Assessed with the DidRen Laser Test

Understanding neck pain is an important societal issue. Kinematic data from sensors may help to gain insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with neck pain through a quantitative sensorimotor assessment of one patient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential usefulness of artificial intelligence with several machine learning (ML) algorithms in assessing neck sensorimotor performance. Angular velocity and acceleration measured by an inertial sensor placed on the forehead during the DidRen laser test in thirty-eight acute and subacute non-specific neck pain (ANSP) patients were compared to forty-two healthy control participants (HCP). Seven supervised ML algorithms were chosen for the predictions. The most informative kinematic features were computed using Sequential Feature Selection methods. The best performing algorithm is the Linear Support Vector Machine with an accuracy of 82% and Area Under Curve of 84%. The best discriminative kinematic feature between ANSP patients and HCP is the first quartile of head pitch angular velocity. This study has shown that supervised ML algorithms could be used to classify ANSP patients and identify discriminatory kinematic features potentially useful for clinicians in the assessment and monitoring of the neck sensorimotor performance in ANSP patients.

The temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain does not inform on the origin of neck pain: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Clinicians seek to identify associations between pain behaviours to understand if symptoms are related or separate conditions. This study determined whether the temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain related to i) the presence of cervical musculoskeletal function or ii) migraine hypersensitivity.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of migraineurs with neck pain (n = 110). Participants reported daily for one month via an online survey, on migraine and other headaches, neck symptoms, location of onset and self-identified triggers. Allodynia Symptom Checklist (ASC12), Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), and presence or absence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction were also assessed.

RESULTS

The temporal behaviours of neck pain in 92 participants (46 migraine only, 46 migraine plus another headache) were categorised as: i) ictal only (n = 42), ii) ictal and infrequent interictal (n = 26), iii) ictal and frequent interictal (n = 17), and iv) undecipherable (n = 7). Cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction was present in 43%. Temporal behaviours of neck pain were not associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction (p = 1.00 and 0.21), nor related to ASC12, PPTs, headache triggers, neck pain, nor region of symptom onset, whether migraine only or migraine and another headache was reported (p = 0.29 to 0.97).

CONCLUSION

Individuals with migraine present with varied behaviours of neck pain in relation to the headache. As temporal behaviour is not informative, a physical examination is needed to negate or confirm a cervical source of neck pain in migraine.

Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group

BACKGROUND

The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of cervical spine joint procedures including joint injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic neck pain, yet many aspects of the procedures remain controversial.

METHODS

In August 2020, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the American Academy of Pain Medicine approved and charged the Cervical Joint Working Group to develop neck pain guidelines. Eighteen stakeholder societies were identified, and formal request-for-participation and member nomination letters were sent to those organizations. Participating entities selected panel members and an ad hoc steering committee selected preliminary questions, which were then revised by the full committee. Each question was assigned to a module composed of 4-5 members, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and the Committee Chairs on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee after revisions. We used a modified Delphi method whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chairs, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. Before commencing, it was agreed that a recommendation would be noted with >50% agreement among committee members, but a consensus recommendation would require ≥75% agreement.

RESULTS

Twenty questions were selected, with 100% consensus achieved in committee on 17 topics. Among participating organizations, 14 of 15 that voted approved or supported the guidelines en bloc, with 14 questions being approved with no dissensions or abstentions. Specific questions addressed included the value of clinical presentation and imaging in selecting patients for procedures, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for blocks, diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks and intra-articular joint injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for designating a block as positive, how many blocks should be performed before radiofrequency ablation, the orientation of electrodes, whether larger lesions translate into higher success rates, whether stimulation should be used before radiofrequency ablation, how best to mitigate complication risks, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and trials, and the indications for repeating radiofrequency ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with medial branch blocks being more predictive than intra-articular injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of false-negatives (ie, lower overall success rate). Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.

Sensorimotor performance in acute-subacute non-specific neck pain: a non-randomized prospective clinical trial with intervention

Background

The assessment of cervical spine kinematic axial rotation performance is of great importance in the context of the study of neck sensorimotor control. However, studies addressing the influence of the level of provocation of spinal pain and the potential benefit of passive manual therapy mobilizations in patients with acute-subacute non-specific neck pain are lacking.

Methods

A non-randomized prospective clinical trial with an intervention design was conducted. We investigated: (1) the test-retest reliability of kinematic variables during a fast axial head rotation task standardized with the DidRen laser test device in 42 Healthy pain-free Control Participants (HCP) (24.3 years ±6.8); (2) the differences in kinematic variables between HCP and 38 patients with Acute-subacute Non-Specific neck Pain (ANSP) assigned to two different groups according to whether their pain was localized in the upper or lower spine (46.2 years ±16.3); and (3) the effect of passive manual therapy mobilizations on kinematic variables of the neck during fast axial head rotation.

Results

(1) Intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from moderate (0.57 (0.06-0.80)) to excellent (0.96 (0.91-0.98)). (2) Kinematic performance during fast axial rotations of the head was significantly altered in ANSP compared to HCP (age-adjusted) for one variable: the time between peaks of acceleration and deceleration (p<0.019). No significant difference was observed between ANSP with upper vs lower spinal pain localization. (3) After the intervention, there was a significant effect on several kinematic variables, e.g., ANSP improved peak speed (p<0.007) and performance of the DidRen laser test (p<0.001), with effect sizes ranging from small to medium.

Conclusion

(1) The DidRen laser test is reliable. (2) A significant reduction in time between acceleration and deceleration peaks was observed in ANSP compared to HCP, but with no significant effect of spinal pain location on kinematic variables was found. (3) We found that neck pain decreased after passive manual therapy mobilizations with improvements of several kinematic variables.

Trial registration

Registration Number: NCT 04407637

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04876-4.

Response rate and comparison of clinical features associated with positive or negative responses to a scapular positioning test in patients with neck pain and altered scapular alignment: a cross-sectional study

Objective

To investigate the frequency and clinical aspects of patients with neck pain who responded and did not respond to scapular repositioning and to determine the clinical features associated with a positive response.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Research unit, Department of Physical Therapy, Chiang Mai University.

Participants

Volunteers with non-specific neck pain aged 18–59 years were recruited between May 2020 and February 2021 from hospitals, clinics, university and community.

Outcome measures

Clinical data documented were neck pain (intensity, duration and disability), the presence of headache, type of scapular dysfunction, cervical musculoskeletal impairment (range of motion (ROM), flexion rotation test (FRT) and location of any symptomatic cervical joint dysfunction), upper limb functional limitation and self-reported disability. Manual scapular repositioning was performed on the side of neck pain. Participants were categorised as responsive or non-responsive based on a change in pain and/or cervical rotation range.

Results

A total of 219 people with neck pain responded to advertisements, of which 144 were eligible. Of the eligible participants, 107 (74.3%) demonstrated a clinically relevant improvement in either neck pain or rotation range or both following the scapular repositioning and 37 (25.7%) had no relevant improvement. The responsive group had a high incidence of scapular downward rotation, greater neck pain intensity, headache and cervical musculoskeletal impairment (reduced ROM, positive FRT and symptomatic C1-3 dysfunction) compared with the non-responsive group (p<0.05). A logistic regression model revealed that features strongly associated with a positive response were the presence of headache (Exp(B)=6.0, 95% CI 2.3 to 15.8), scapular downward rotation (Exp(B)=5.3, 95% CI 2.3 to 12.6) and a positive FRT (Exp(B)=4.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 10.6).

Conclusion

Almost 75% of neck pain patients with altered scapular alignment responded to scapular repositioning. The predominance of upper cervical dysfunction with a downwardly rotated scapular in this group suggests a role of poor axioscapular muscle function which might benefit from rehabilitation.

Consensus practice guidelines on interventions for cervical spine (facet) joint pain from a multispecialty international working group

BACKGROUND

The past two decades have witnessed a surge in the use of cervical spine joint procedures including joint injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat chronic neck pain, yet many aspects of the procedures remain controversial.

METHODS

In August 2020, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine and the American Academy of Pain Medicine approved and charged the Cervical Joint Working Group to develop neck pain guidelines. Eighteen stakeholder societies were identified, and formal request-for-participation and member nomination letters were sent to those organizations. Participating entities selected panel members and an ad hoc steering committee selected preliminary questions, which were then revised by the full committee. Each question was assigned to a module composed of 4-5 members, who worked with the Subcommittee Lead and the Committee Chairs on preliminary versions, which were sent to the full committee after revisions. We used a modified Delphi method whereby the questions were sent to the committee en bloc and comments were returned in a non-blinded fashion to the Chairs, who incorporated the comments and sent out revised versions until consensus was reached. Before commencing, it was agreed that a recommendation would be noted with >50% agreement among committee members, but a consensus recommendation would require ≥75% agreement.

RESULTS

Twenty questions were selected, with 100% consensus achieved in committee on 17 topics. Among participating organizations, 14 of 15 that voted approved or supported the guidelines en bloc, with 14 questions being approved with no dissensions or abstentions. Specific questions addressed included the value of clinical presentation and imaging in selecting patients for procedures, whether conservative treatment should be used before injections, whether imaging is necessary for blocks, diagnostic and prognostic value of medial branch blocks and intra-articular joint injections, the effects of sedation and injectate volume on validity, whether facet blocks have therapeutic value, what the ideal cut-off value is for designating a block as positive, how many blocks should be performed before radiofrequency ablation, the orientation of electrodes, whether larger lesions translate into higher success rates, whether stimulation should be used before radiofrequency ablation, how best to mitigate complication risks, if different standards should be applied to clinical practice and trials, and the indications for repeating radiofrequency ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical medial branch radiofrequency ablation may provide benefit to well-selected individuals, with medial branch blocks being more predictive than intra-articular injections. More stringent selection criteria are likely to improve denervation outcomes, but at the expense of false-negatives (ie, lower overall success rate). Clinical trials should be tailored based on objectives, and selection criteria for some may be more stringent than what is ideal in clinical practice.

What are the biopsychosocial risk factors associated with pain in postpartum runners? Development of a clinical decision tool

Background

In 2019, a majority of runners participating in running events were female and 49% were of childbearing age. Studies have reported that women are initiating or returning to running after childbirth with up to 35% reporting pain. There are no studies exploring running-related pain or risk factors for this pain after childbirth in runners. Postpartum runners have a variety of biomechanical, musculoskeletal, and physiologic impairments from which to recover from when returning to high impact sports like running, which could influence initiating or returning to running. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with running-related pain in postpartum runners with and without pain. This study also aimed to understand the compounding effects of multiple associative risk factors by developing a clinical decision tool to identify postpartum runners at higher risk for pain.

Methods

Postpartum runners with at least one child ≤36 months who ran once a week and postpartum runners unable to run because of pain, but identified as runners, were surveyed. Running variables (mileage, time to first postpartum run), postpartum variables (delivery type, breastfeeding, incontinence, sleep, fatigue, depression), and demographic information were collected. Risk factors for running-related pain were analyzed in bivariate regression models. Variables meeting criteria (P<0.15) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to create a clinical decision tool. The tool identified compounding factors that increased the probability of having running-related pain after childbirth.

Results

Analyses included 538 postpartum runners; 176 (32.7%) reporting running-related pain. Eleven variables were included in the multivariate model with six retained in the clinical decision tool: runner type-novice (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.65, 7.48), postpartum accumulated fatigue score of >19 (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.44, 4.28), previous running injury (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.31, 2.91), vaginal delivery (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.06, 2.50), incontinence (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.31, 2.84) and <6.8 hours of sleep on average per night (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.28, 2.78). Having ≥ 4 risk factors increased the probability of having running-related pain to 61.2%.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the risk factors for running-related pain in postpartum runners. With this information, clinicians can monitor and educate postpartum runners initiating or returning to running. Education could include details of risk factors, combinations of factors for pain and strategies to mitigate risks. Coaches can adapt running workload accounting for fatigue and sleep fluctuations to optimize recovery and performance. Future longitudinal studies that follow asymptomatic postpartum women returning to running after childbirth over time should be performed to validate these findings.

Medial Branch Blocks for Diagnosis of Facet Joint Pain Etiology and Use in Chronic Pain Litigation

A commonly disputed medicolegal issue is the documentation of the location, degree, and anatomical source of an injured plaintiff’s ongoing pain, particularly when the painful region is in or near the spine, and when the symptoms have arisen as result of a relatively low speed traffic crash. The purpose of our paper is to provide health and legal practitioners with strategies to identify the source of cervical pain and to aid triers of fact (decision makers) in reaching better informed conclusions. We review the medical evidence for the applications and reliability of cervical medial branch nerve blocks as an indication of painful spinal facets. We also present legal precedents for the legal admissibility of the results of such diagnostic testing as evidence of chronic spine pain after a traffic crash. Part of the reason for the dispute is the subjective nature of pain, and the fact that medical documentation of pain complaints relies primarily on the history given by the patient. A condition that can be documented objectively is chronic cervical spine facet joint pain, as demonstrated by medial branch block (injection). The diagnostic accuracy of medial branch blocks has been extensively described in the scientific medical literature, and evidence of facet blocks to objectively document chronic post-traumatic neck pain has been accepted as scientifically reliable in courts and tribunals in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. We conclude that there is convincing scientific medical evidence that the results of cervical facet blocks provide reliable objective evidence of chronic post-traumatic spine pain, suitable for presentation to an adjudicative decision maker.

Concussion part II: Rehabilitation - The need for a multifaceted approach

INTRODUCTION

While most individuals recover in the initial days to weeks following a concussion, in up to 30% of cases symptoms and functional limitations may persist beyond the initial four weeks. There is emerging evidence that multifaceted physiotherapy techniques for individuals who have ongoing symptoms following concussion may be of benefit.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this masterclass article is to summarize the evidence for rehabilitation, describe treatment techniques and multifaceted interventions following concussion.

IMPLICATIONS

Concussion is a heterogenous injury and multiple types of rehabilitation may be required to address ongoing alterations in function. A greater understanding of evidence based rehabilitative techniques will enable the clinician to direct treatment and facilitate recovery for individuals who have ongoing symptoms following concussion.

Concussion - Part I: The need for a multifaceted assessment

INTRODUCTION

Concussion is among the most commonly occurring sport and recreation injuries in today's society. An understanding of the heterogenous nature of concussion will assist in directing a multifaceted and comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment following injury.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this masterclass article is to summarize the current state of the evidence in the area of concussion, describe typical symptom presentations and assessment techniques that may assist in directing appropriate management following concussion.

IMPLICATIONS

A comprehensive assessment including a thoughtful differential diagnosis will assist the clinician to direct care appropriately and efficiently in individuals who have suffered a concussion.

Reliability and validity of clinical tests to assess posture, pain location, and cervical spine mobility in adults with neck pain and its associated disorders: Part 4. A systematic review from the cervical assessment and diagnosis research evaluation (CADRE) collaboration

PURPOSE

To determine the reliability and validity of clinical tests to assess posture, pain location, and cervical spine mobility in adults with grades I-IV neck pain and associated disorders (NAD).

METHODS

We systematically searched electronic databases to update the systematic review of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000-2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Eligible reliability and validity studies were critically appraised using modified versions of the QAREL and QUADAS-2 instruments, respectively. Evidence from low risk of bias studies were synthesized following best evidence synthesis principles.

RESULTS

We screened 14302 articles, critically appraised 46 studies, and found 32 low risk of bias articles (14 reliability and 18 validity studies). We found preliminary evidence of: 1) reliability of visual inspection, aided with devices (CROM and digital caliper) to assess head posture; 2) reliability and validity of soft tissue palpation to locate tender/trigger points in muscles; 3) reliability and validity of joint motion palpation to assess stiffness and pain provocation in combination; and 4) range of motion tests using visual estimation (in cervical extension only) or devices (digital caliper, goniometer, inclinometer) to assess cervical mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

We found little evidence to support the reliability and validity of clinical tests to assess head posture, pain location and cervical mobility in adults with NAD grades I-III. More advanced validity studies are needed to inform the clinical utility of tests used to evaluate patients with NAD.

Cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in headache: How should it be defined?

Neck pain commonly accompanies migraine and tension-type headache, but the literature is divided on whether this neck pain is a headache symptom or is associated with cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction. Clarification is essential for hypotheses on the pathogenesis of these headaches and their variants and for decisions on suitability of local neck treatments, both from research and clinical practice perspectives. Reasons for disparate findings could relate to participant selection in headache studies and/or the bases on which decisions on the presence of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction are reached. Propositions towards gaining a clearer picture of migraine and tension-type headache related neck pain include first, stricter inclusion criteria and reporting of headache characteristics of study participants. Second, reliance on pain sensitivity or the presence of neck tenderness/trigger points as measures be discarded, as they are not uniquely tied to a musculoskeletal disorder. Instead, place reliance on tests of musculoskeletal (dys)function. Third, the values and interpretation of single measures or tests of impairment/dysfunctions can be non-informative and do not reflect the presentation of cervical musculoskeletal disorders. Rather, a typical presentation includes at a fundamental level, interrelated changes in cervical movement, segmental joint and muscle function. We advocate that these measures be adopted as the core set of related measures to define cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in headache. This does not deter inclusion of other measures of interest or qualification.

Clinical Diagnostic Tests versus Medial Branch Blocks for Adults with Persisting Cervical Zygapophyseal Joint Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to identify clinical tests for diagnosing cervical zygapophyseal joint pain (CZP) and to determine their diagnostic accuracy. Method: A search strategy was carried out to find relevant evidence published in CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, and PEDro from 1980 to January 1, 2015, pertaining to the clinical diagnosis of CZP. Quality assessment was completed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Results were analyzed to pool sensitivity and specificity and clarify diagnostic value. Results: Seven articles (n=463) were included for data synthesis and review. Intersegmental mobility tests were found to have the highest diagnostic accuracy, with pooled sensitivity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.94) and specificity of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.81). The pooled sensitivity for mechanical sensitivity (palpation) was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.95), and specificity was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.71). Conclusion: Limited studies are available that discuss the clinical diagnosis of CZP, and significant heterogeneity is present in the available data. In this review, intersegmental mobility tests were found to be the most accurate. Clustering of tests, agreement on a reference standard, and further exploration of CZP referral patterns are recommended.

How to diagnose cervicogenic dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the presence of dizziness and associated neck pain. There are no definitive clinical or laboratory tests for CGD and therefore CGD is a diagnosis of exclusion. It can be difficult for healthcare professionals to differentiate CGD from other vestibular, medical and vascular disorders that cause dizziness, requiring a high level of skill and a thorough understanding of the proper tests and measures to accurately rule in or rule out competing diagnoses. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic diagnostic approach to enable healthcare providers to accurately diagnose CGD. This narrative will outline a stepwise process for evaluating patients who may have CGD and provide steps to exclude diagnoses that can present with symptoms similar to those seen in CGD, including central and peripheral vestibular disorders, vestibular migraine, labyrinthine concussion, cervical arterial dysfunction, and whiplash associated disorder.

Reliability and validity of clinical tests to assess the anatomical integrity of the cervical spine in adults with neck pain and its associated disorders: Part 1-A systematic review from the Cervical Assessment and Diagnosis Research Evaluation (CADRE) Collaboration

OBJECTIVE

To determine the reliability and validity of clinical tests to assess the anatomical integrity of the cervical spine in adults with neck pain and its associated disorders.

METHODS

We updated the systematic review of the 2000-2010 Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders. We also searched the literature to identify studies on the reliability and validity of Doppler velocimetry for the evaluation of cervical arteries. Two independent reviewers screened and critically appraised studies. We conducted a best evidence synthesis of low risk of bias studies and ranked the phases of investigations using the classification proposed by Sackett and Haynes.

RESULTS

We screened 9022 articles and critically appraised 8 studies; all 8 studies had low risk of bias (three reliability and five validity Phase II-III studies). Preliminary evidence suggests that the extension-rotation test may be reliable and has adequate validity to rule out pain arising from facet joints. The evidence suggests variable reliability and preliminary validity for the evaluation of cervical radiculopathy including neurological examination (manual motor testing, dermatomal sensory testing, deep tendon reflexes, and pathological reflex testing), Spurling's and the upper limb neurodynamic tests. No evidence was found for doppler velocimetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Little evidence exists to support the use of clinical tests to evaluate the anatomical integrity of the cervical spine in adults with neck pain and its associated disorders. We found preliminary evidence to support the use of the extension-rotation test, neurological examination, Spurling's and the upper limb neurodynamic tests.

Effectiveness of physiotherapy for seniors with recurrent headaches associated with neck pain and dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

A previous study demonstrated that in seniors, the presence of cervical musculoskeletal impairment was not specific to cervicogenic headache but was present in various recurrent headache types. Physiotherapy treatment is indicated in those seniors diagnosed with cervicogenic headache but could also be adjunct treatment for those with cervical musculoskeletal signs who are suspected of having transitional headaches.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a physiotherapy program for seniors with recurrent headaches associated with neck pain and cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction, irrespective of the headache classification.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective, stratified, randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Sixty-five participants with recurrent headache, aged 50-75 years, were randomly assigned to either a physiotherapy (n=33) or a usual care group (n=32).

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was headache frequency. Secondary outcomes were headache intensity and duration, neck pain and disability, cervical range of motion, quality of life, participant satisfaction, and medication intake.

METHODS

Participants in the physiotherapy group received 14 treatment sessions. Participants in the usual care group continued with their usual care. Outcome measures were recorded at baseline, 11 weeks, 6 months, and 9 months. This study was funded by a government research fund of $6,850. No conflict of interest is declared.

RESULTS

There was no loss to follow-up for the primary outcome measure. Compared with usual care, participants receiving physiotherapy reported significant reductions in headache frequency immediately after treatment (mean difference -1.6 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.5 to -0.6), at 6-month follow-up (-1.7 days, 95% CI -2.6 to -0.8), and at 9-month follow-up (-2.4 days, 95% CI -3.2 to -1.5), and significant improvements in all secondary outcomes immediately posttreatment and at 6- and 9-month follow-ups, (p<.05 for all). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapy treatment provided benefits over usual care for seniors with recurrent headache associated with neck pain and dysfunction.

Discord Between Approaches to Spinal and Extremity Disorders: Is It Logical?

Rapid advances in the basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences are molding developments in conservative management of musculoskeletal disorders. Curiously, there seems to be discord developing between approaches to the assessment and management of patients, depending on whether they present with an extremity or spinal disorder. This viewpoint will comment on examples of differences emerging in some current practices. The aim is not to present a scientific treatise about underpinning sciences and evidence-based practice or to comment on what is correct or incorrect. Rather, the aim is to stimulate thought on the seeming discord in clinical practice, with respect to both the clinical evaluation of, as well as management approaches to, extremity and spinal disorders. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):938-941. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0610.

Cervical zygapophysial (facet) joint pain: effectiveness of interventional management strategies

Diagnostic facet joint nerve blocks have been utilized in the diagnosis of cervical facet joint pain in patients without disk herniation or radicular pain due to a lack of reliable noninvasive diagnostic measures. Therapeutic interventions include intra-articular injections, facet joint nerve blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy. The diagnostic accuracy and effectiveness of facet joint interventions have been assessed in multiple diagnostic accuracy studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and systematic reviews in managing chronic neck pain. This assessment shows there is Level II evidence based on a total of 11 controlled diagnostic accuracy studies for diagnosing cervical facet joint pain in patients without disk herniation or radicular pain utilizing controlled diagnostic blocks. Due to significant variability and internal inconsistency regarding prevalence in a heterogenous population; despite 11 studies, evidence is determined as Level II. Prevalence ranged from 36% to 67% with at least 80% pain relief as the criterion standard with a false-positive rate ranging from 27% to 63%. The evidence is Level II for the long-term effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy and facet joint nerve blocks in managing cervical facet joint pain. There is Level III evidence for cervical intra-articular injections.

Diagnostic Value of Clinical Cervical Spine Tests in Patients With Cervicogenic Somatic Tinnitus

BACKGROUND

Tinnitus can be related to many different etiologies, such as hearing loss or a noise trauma, but it also can be related to the somatosensory system of the cervical spine. The diagnosis of cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) is made when the predominant feature is the temporal coincidence of appearance or increase of both neck pain and tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of clinical cervical spine tests in people with CST.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Consecutive adult patients with chronic subjective nonpulsatile tinnitus were included. Exclusion criteria were vertigo, Ménière disease, middle ear pathology, intracranial pathology, cervical spine surgery, whiplash trauma, and temporomandibular dysfunction.

MEASUREMENTS

A full ear, nose, and throat examination was conducted to classify patients into CST and non-CST groups. The physical therapist examination included completion of the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) and the following clinical cervical spine tests: manual rotation test, adapted Spurling test (AST), trigger point tests, and tests for strength and endurance of the deep neck flexors.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven patients with tinnitus were included, of whom 37 (43%) were diagnosed with CST. The diagnosis of CST becomes less likely with NBQ scores of <14 points (sensitivity of 80%, likelihood ratio [LR] of 0.3, and posttest probability of 19%). Absence of trigger points corresponded to an LR of 0.3, a sensitivity of 82%, and a posttest probability of 22%. A positive manual rotation test and AST indicate a higher probability of CST (LR of 5, specificity of 90%, and posttest probability of 78%).

LIMITATIONS

A limited number of clinical cervical spine tests were used in this study. Although tests with good validity and reliability were included, additional tests could provide more information on cervical spine dysfunction in patients with CST.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical cervical spine tests can support the diagnostic process for CST. An NBQ score of <14 points and the absence of trigger points can help to exclude CST. In contrast, a positive manual rotation test and AST can help to include CST. In future studies, these tests should be included in a multidisciplinary assessment of patients with suspected CST.