Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Spine Clinical Instability

Kenneth A. Olson, Dustin Joder

Spinal instability is a major cause of neck pain, but unfortunately the concept of spinal instability is often ambiguous and poorly defined. For clarity, instability will be referred to as clinical instability throughout this paper. Clinical instability is defined as the inability of the spine under physiological loads to maintain its normal pattern of displacement so that there is no neurological damage or irritation, no development of deformity, and no incapacitating pain. This paper reviews the kinematics and stabilization system of the spine and discusses the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for cervical spine clinical instability. A case report of a patient with cervical spine clinical instability is included to illustrate its presentation and management.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2001;31(4):194-206.

Key Words: spinal instability

This paper reviews the kinematics and stabilization system of the spine and discusses the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for cervical spine clinical instability. A case report of a patient with cervical spine clinical instability is included to illustrate its presentation and management.

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