Microwave diathermy for treating nonspecific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

Background contextAlthough the use of deep heat therapy is widespread, there is scant literature available on its effectiveness in treating back or neck pain.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of microwave diathermy to treat nonspecific chronic neck pain.DesignThe study was designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.Patient sampleThe patient sample consisted of 149 patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain in a hospital of the Andalusian Public Health Care System, SpainOutcome measuresThe study outcome measures are as follows: at baseline, pain intensity (using a visual analogue scale), disability (Neck Disability Index), and health-related quality of life (36-item short form health survey [SF-36]); at 3 weeks, baseline measures and patients' perceived overall outcome and satisfaction with the treatment; and at 6 months, 3–week measures, therapeutic co-interventions, and adherence to exercises.MethodsPatients were allocated randomly to three groups. The first group received continuous microwave diathermy, the second group was administered pulsed microwaves, and the third group (the control group) received unplugged microwaves. All three groups received the same general treatment: range of motion, isometric exercises, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.ResultsThe three groups had reduced pain and disability, and improvement was seen in some dimensions of the SF-36. However, there were no differences found in any of the parameters measured among the three therapeutic groups.ConclusionsMicrowave diathermy does not provide additional benefit to a treatment regimen of chronic neck pain that already involves other treatment approaches.     

Intensive group training protocol versus guideline physiotherapy for patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised controlled trial

Intensive group training using principles of graded activity has been proven to be effective in occupational care for workers with chronic low back pain. Objective of the study was to compare the effects of an intensive group training protocol aimed at returning to normal daily activities and guideline physiotherapy for primary care patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. The study was designed as pragmatic randomised controlled trial with a setup of 105 primary care physiotherapists in 49 practices and 114 patients with non-specific low back pain of more than 12 weeks duration participated in the study. In the intensive group training protocol exercise therapy, back school and operant-conditioning behavioural principles are combined. Patients were treated during 10 individual sessions along 20 group sessions. Usual care consisted of physiotherapy according to the Dutch guidelines for Low Back Pain. Main outcome measures were functional disability (Roland Morris disability questionnaire), pain intensity, perceived recovery and sick leave because of low back pain assessed at baseline and after 6, 13, 26 and 52 weeks. Both an intention-to-treat analysis and a per-protocol analysis were performed. Multilevel analysis did not show significant differences between both treatment groups on any outcome measures during the complete follow-up period, with one exception. After 26 weeks the protocol group showed more reduction in pain intensity than the guideline group, but this difference was absent after 52 weeks. We finally conclude that an intensive group training protocol was not more effective than usual physiotherapy for chronic low back pain.     

Spinal manipulative therapy and exercise for seniors with chronic neck pain

Background contextNeck pain, common among the elderly population, has considerable implications on health and quality of life. Evidence supports the use of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and exercise to treat neck pain; however, no studies to date have evaluated the effectiveness of these therapies specifically in seniors.PurposeTo assess the relative effectiveness of SMT and supervised rehabilitative exercise, both in combination with and compared to home exercise (HE) alone for neck pain in individuals ages 65 years or older.Study design/settingRandomized clinical trial.Patient sampleIndividuals 65 years of age or older with a primary complaint of mechanical neck pain, rated ≥3 (0–10) for 12 weeks or longer in duration.Outcome measuresPatient self-report outcomes were collected at baseline and 4, 12, 26, and 52 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome was pain, measured by an 11-box numerical rating scale. Secondary outcomes included disability (Neck Disability Index), general health status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36), satisfaction (7-point scale), improvement (9-point scale), and medication use (days per week).MethodsThis study was funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. Linear mixed model analyses were used for comparisons at individual time points and for short- and long-term analyses. Blinded evaluations of objective outcomes were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Adverse event data were collected at each treatment visit.ResultsA total of 241 participants were randomized, with 95% reporting primary outcome data at all time points. After 12 weeks of treatment, the SMT with home exercise group demonstrated a 10% greater decrease in pain compared with the HE-alone group, and 5% change over supervised plus home exercise. A decrease in pain favoring supervised plus HE over HE alone did not reach statistical significance. Compared with the HE group, both combination groups reported greater improvement at week 12 and more satisfaction at all time points. Multivariate longitudinal analysis incorporating primary and secondary patient-rated outcomes showed that the SMT with HE group was superior to the HE-alone group in both the short- and long-term. No serious adverse events were observed as a result of the study treatments.ConclusionsSMT with HE resulted in greater pain reduction after 12 weeks of treatment compared with both supervised plus HE and HE alone. Supervised exercise sessions added little benefit to the HE-alone program.     

PREPARE: presurgery physiotherapy for patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Background Context

Surgery because of disc herniation or spinal stenosis results mostly in large improvement in the short-term, but mild to moderate improvements for pain and disability at long-term follow-up. Prehabilitation has been defined as augmenting functional capacity before surgery, which may have beneficial effect on outcome after surgery.

Chronic neck pain and treatment of cognitive and behavioural factors: results of a randomised controlled clinical trial

PurposeAlthough there is growing evidence in favour of the bio-psychosocial approach to the treatment of persistent neck pain, it is questioned whether treating psychological factors can improve patient perceptions of disability, pain and quality of life. This randomised, controlled study with 12 months’ follow-up was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adding cognitive-behavioural principles to exercises for chronic neck pain.MethodsEighty patients were randomly assigned to the usual neck exercises plus cognitive-behavioural treatment (PTcb group, 40 subjects) or to treatment based on neck exercises alone (PT group, 40 subjects). Before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2) and 12 months later (T3), all of the patients completed a booklet including the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, a numerical rating scale, and the Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36).ResultsThe present trial failed to demonstrate its primary end point: the pre- and post-treatment difference in total NPDS scores was not statistically different between groups. Disability improved similarly in both groups over time, remaining stable until T3 in the PTcb group and slightly increasing at the same time in the PT group. Pain trends were comparable, with both groups showing an improvement between T1 and T2, and a slight worsening between T2 and T3. There were significant increases in all of the SF-36 domains except for health in general, and vitality in both groups by the end of treatment. SF-36 showed a between-group difference only for the physical activity domain (10.4; 95 % CI 2.4–18.5).ConclusionDisability, pain and quality of life improved at the end of treatment in both groups, without differences between them.     

颈椎病病人颈部疼痛的影响因素分析

目的探讨引起颈椎病病人颈部疼痛的影响因素,尤其是Modic改变在颈部疼痛中所起的作用。方法回顾分析2016年9月至2019年4月于我院就诊的261例颈椎病病人,其中男136例,女125例,年龄为(51.2±10.9)岁。纳入统计的因素包括年龄、性别、身体质量指数(body mass index,BMI)、吸烟史、受教育水平、颈椎曲度改变、颈椎滑脱、Modic改变、高级别椎间盘退变、椎间盘高度丢失和纤维环撕裂。通过数字化疼痛量表(numerical rating scale,NRS)评估病人的颈部疼痛程度,利用单因素分析及多因素Logistic回归分析分别计算上述因素对严重性颈部疼痛(SNP)和持续性颈部疼痛(PNP)的影响。另外,利用单因素分析及多因素Logistic回归分析计算颈椎滑脱、椎间盘退变分级、椎间盘高度丢失和纤维环撕裂对Modic改变的影响。结果共32例存在Modic改变。1型Modic改变病人的NRS评分明显高于2型(4.6±0.7 vs.3.7±1.1,P=0.003)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示颈椎后凸[OR=2.413,95%CI(1.329,5.180),P=0.009]、颈椎滑脱[OR=2.962,95%CI(1.592,5.665),P=0.001]和纤维环撕裂[OR=1.766,95%CI(1.087,2.765),P=0.021]是病人SNP的3个独立危险因素,而颈椎后凸[OR=2.738,95%CI(1.399,5.468),P=0.005]、颈椎滑脱[OR=2.565,95%CI(1.361,4.784),P=0.006]和Modic改变[OR=2.360,95%CI(1.264,4.275),P=0.010]是病人PNP的3个独立危险因素。Modic改变与椎间盘病变的回归分析提示高级别椎间盘退变[OR=2.512,95%CI(1.186,5.611),P=0.013]以及椎间盘高度丢失[OR=2.403,95%CI(1.160,5.721),P=0.025]是Modic改变的独立危险因素。结论颈椎后凸、颈椎滑脱和纤维环撕裂会加重颈椎病病人颈部疼痛的程度,而颈椎后凸、颈椎滑脱和Modic改变会延长颈椎病病人颈部疼痛的时间。此外,高级别椎间盘退变和椎间盘高度丢失是颈椎Modic改变的危险因素。     

铍针治疗颈椎病性颈痛61例临床观察

颈椎痫为临床上多发病、常见病，而颈部疼痛是颈椎病最常见的症状之一，在各型颈椎病中均可出现。自2006年7月至2007年6月运用铍针治疗颈椎病性颈痛61例，疗效满意，报告如下。     

Development of a clinical prediction rule to identify patients with neck pain likely to benefit from cervical traction and exercise

The objective of the study was to develop a clinical prediction rule (CPR) to identify patients with neck pain likely to improve with cervical traction. The study design included prospective cohort of patients with neck pain referred to physical therapy. Development of a CPR will assist clinicians in classifying patients with neck pain likely to benefit from cervical traction. Eighty patients with neck pain received a standardized examination and then completed six sessions of intermittent cervical traction and cervical strengthening exercises twice weekly for 3 weeks. Patient outcome was classified at the end of treatment, based on perceived recovery according to the global rating of change. Patients who achieved a change ≥+6 (“A great deal better” or “A very great deal better”) were classified as having a successful outcome. Univariate analyses (t tests and chi-square) were conducted on historical and physical examination items to determine potential predictors of successful outcome. Variables with a significance level of P ≤ 0.15 were retained as potential prediction variables. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LRs) were then calculated for all variables with a significant relationship with the reference criterion of successful outcome. Potential predictor variables were entered into a step-wise logistic regression model to determine the most accurate set of clinical examination items for prediction of treatment success. Sixty-eight patients (38 female) were included in data analysis of which 30 had a successful outcome. A CPR with five variables was identified: (1) patient reported peripheralization with lower cervical spine (C4–7) mobility testing; (2) positive shoulder abduction test; (3) age ≥55; (4) positive upper limb tension test A; and (5) positive neck distraction test. Having at least three out of five predictors present resulted in a +LR equal to 4.81 (95% CI = 2.17–11.4), increasing the likelihood of success with cervical traction from 44 to 79.2%. If at least four out of five variables were present, the +LR was equal to 23.1 (2.5–227.9), increasing the post-test probability of having improvement with cervical traction to 94.8%. This preliminary CPR provides the ability to a priori identify patients with neck pain likely to experience a dramatic response with cervical traction and exercise. Before the rule can be implemented in routine clinical practice, future studies are necessary to validate the rule. The CPR developed in this study may improve clinical decision-making by assisting clinicians in identifying patients with neck pain likely to benefit from cervical traction and exercise. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense.     

Arm Squeeze Test: a new clinical test to distinguish neck from shoulder pain

Purpose

Objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic values of the Arm Squeeze Test. The test consists in squeezing the middle third of the upper arm.

Methods

1,567 patients were included in this study. Diagnosis of cervical nerve root compression or shoulder disease was clinically formulated and confirmed with imaging before performing test. 350 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. The test was positive when score on a VAS Scale was 3 points or higher on squeezing the middle third of the upper arm compared to acromioclavicular (AC) joint and anterolateral-subacromial area.

Results

Patients were subdivided as follows: 903 with rotator cuff tear, 155 with shoulder adhesive capsulitis, 101 with AC joint arthropathy, 55 with calcifying tendonitis, and 48 affected by glenohumeral arthritis. The study sample included 305 patients with cervical nerve root compression from C5 to T1 with shoulder radicular pain. The test was positive in 295/305 (96.7 %) of patients with cervical nerve root compression, compared to 35/903 (3.87 %), 3/155 (1.93 %), 0/101 (0 %), 1/55 (1.81 %) and 4/48 (8.33 %) of those with rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis, AC arthropathy, calcifying tendonitis and glenohumeral arthritis, respectively. A positive result was obtained in 14/350 asymptomatic subjects (4 %). If patients with cervical nerve root compression were compared to controls and patients with shoulder diseases, the test had sensitivity of 0.96 and specificity from 0.91 to 1.

Conclusions

The Arm Squeeze Test may be useful to distinguish cervical nerve root compression from shoulder disease in case of doubtful diagnosis. A positive result to this test may lead to cervical etiology of the shoulder pain.     

Low-level laser therapy and myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common reason for pain and limited function of the masticatory system. The effects of low-level lasers (LLLs) for controlling the discomfort of patients are investigated frequently. However, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a particular source producing 660 nm and 890 nm wavelengths that was recommended to reduce of the pain in the masticatory muscles. This was a double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Sixteen MPDS patients were randomly divided into two groups. For the laser group, two diode laser probes (660 nm (nanometers), 6.2 J/cm², 6 min, continuous wave, and 890 nm, 1 J/cm² (joules per square centimetre), 10 min, 1,500 Hz (Hertz)) were used on the painful muscles. For the control group, the treatment was similar, but the patients were not irradiated. Treatment was given twice a week for 3 weeks. The amount of patient pain was recorded at four time periods (before and immediately after treatment, 1 week after, and on the day of complete pain relief). A visual analog scale (VAS) was selected as the method of pain measurement. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the t-test and the paired t-test were used to analyze the data. In each group the reduction of pain before and after the treatment was meaningful, but, between the two groups, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was more effective (P = 0.031) According to this study, this type of LLLT was the effective treatment for pain reduction in MPDS patients.     

Cervical radiculopathy: Pain, muscle weakness and sensory loss in patients with cervical radiculopathy treated with surgery, physiotherapy or cervical collar A prospective, controlled study

This prospective, randomised study compares the efficacy of surgery, physiotherapy and cervical collar with respect to pain, motor weakness and sensory loss in 81 patients with long-lasting cervical radiculopathy corresponding to a nerve root that was significantly compressed by spondylotic encroachment, with or without an additional bulging disk, as verified by MRI or CT-myelography. Pain intensity was registered on a visual analogue scale (VAS), muscle strength was measured by a hand-held dynamometer, Vigorometer and pinchometer. Sensory loss and paraesthesia were recorded. The measurements were performed before treatment (control 1), 4 months after the start of treatment (control 2) and after a further 12 months (control 3). A healthy control group was used for comparison and to test the reliability of the muscle-strength measurements. The study found that before start of treatment the groups were uniform with respect to pain, motor weakness and sensory loss. At control 2 the surgery group reported less pain, less sensory loss and had better muscle strength, measured as the ratio of the affected side to the non-affected side, compared to the two conservative treatment groups. After a further year (control 3), there were no differences in pain intensity, sensory loss or paraesthesia between the groups. An improvement in muscle strengths, measured as the ratio of the affected to the non-affected side, was seen in the surgery group compared to the physiotherapy group in wrist extension, elbow extension, shoulder abduction and internal rotation, but there were no differences in the ratios between the collar group and the other treatment groups. With respect to absolute muscle strength of the affected sides, there were no differences at control 1. At control 2, the surgery group performed somewhat better than the two other groups but at control 3 there were no differences between the groups. We conclude that pain intensity, muscle weakness and sensory loss can be expected to improve within a few months after surgery, while slow improvement with conservative treatments and recurrent symptoms in the surgery group make the 1-year results about equal.     

Cervical range of motion and strength in 4,293 young male adults with chronic neck pain

Purpose

The correlation of cervical biomechanics and neck pain in young patients has, to date, only been described in terms of small cohorts. This study focuses on the correlation of chronic neck pain and cervical biomechanics.

Methods

Neck pain, cervical range of motion (CROM) and maximal cervical torque were recorded in 746 patients with conservatively treated chronic neck pain and 3,547 participants of physiotherapy training without chronic neck pain aged 16–32 years.

Results

The “neck pain” group had a highly significant (s < 0.001) higher neck disability index (44.7 vs. 10.4 %), longer history of neck pain (3.47 vs. 0.59 years), higher pain intensity (VAS 5.93 vs. 0.93), higher pain frequency (VAS 6.98 vs. 1.09). No differences of CROM and maximal torque in the sagittal, frontal and transverse plane were found.

Conclusion

This study describes the largest cohort of biomechanical data of the cervical spine in young adult recorded to date. The findings demonstrate that no correlation was found between neck pain, CROM and maximal torque in the study cohort. On this basis, we conclude that the CROM and maximal cervical torque should not be used as indicators to measure the progress of chronic neck pain in physiotherapy training and sports medicine for the young adult.     

青少年颈痛患者颈椎失稳特点与生活习惯的相关性分析

目的:探讨青少年颈痛患者的颈椎失稳与生活习惯之间的关系。方法:收集青少年颈痛患者59例(颈痛组)及健康青少年17例(对照组)的基本信息和生活习惯,拍摄颈椎侧位及动力位X线片,分析颈椎失稳特点及颈椎失稳与生活习惯的相关性。结果:两组患者的年龄、身高、体重、体重指数基线资料比较差异均无统计学意义。生活习惯比较,颈痛组平均每天使用手机时间多于对照组,而对照组每天运动时间多于颈痛组。颈椎失稳测量结果,颈痛组失稳发生率大于对照组;在过屈位时,颈痛组在C_3-C_4,C_4-C_5,C_5-C_6之间的椎体角位移大于对照组;颈痛组自身C_4-C_5段过屈位角位移大于过伸位,C_6-C_7段过伸位角位移大于过屈位。颈痛组生活习惯与颈椎失稳的相关分析,C_4-C_5角位移值在过伸位与使用手机时间呈正相关(r=0.275,P=0.035),过屈位与使用手机时间呈显著正相关(r=0.577,P0.001),与每天运动时间呈负相关(r=-0.279,P=0.032)。C_5-C_6角位移在过屈位与每天运动时间呈负相关(r=-0.292,P=0.025),在过伸位角位移与每天使用电脑时间呈负相关(r=-0.262,P=0.045)。结论:青少年颈痛患者每天使用手机时间多于正常青少年,而运动时间少于正常青少年,且颈椎失稳出现率较高,以C_3-C_4,C_4-C_5,C_5-C_6节段为主。每天运动时间越长,C_4-C_5,C_5-C_6角位移测量值就越小;每天使用手机时间越长,C_4-C_5角位移测量值就越大。     

Effectiveness of myofascial release in the management of plantar heel pain: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that stretching of the calf musculature and the plantar fascia are effective management strategies for plantar heel pain (PHP). However, it is unclear whether myofascial release (MFR) can improve the outcomes in this population.ObjectiveTo investigate whether myofascial release (MFR) reduces the pain and functional disability associated with plantar heel pain (PHP) in comparison with a control group receiving sham ultrasound therapy (SUST).DesignRandomized, controlled, double blinded trial.SettingNonprofit research foundation clinic in India.MethodSixty-six patients, 17 men and 49 women with a clinical diagnosis of PHP were randomly assigned into MFR or a control group and given 12 sessions of treatment per client over 4 weeks. The Foot Function Index (FFI) scale was used to assess pain severity and functional disability. The primary outcome measure was the difference in FFI scale scores between week 1 (pretest score), week 4 (posttest score), and follow-up at week 12 after randomization. Additionally, pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed over the affected gastrocnemii and soleus muscles, and over the calcaneus, by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation.ResultsThe simple main effects analysis showed that the MFR group performed better than the control group in weeks 4 and 12 (P < 0.001). Patients in the MFR and control groups reported a 72.4% and 7.4% reduction, respectively, in their pain and functional disability in week 4 compared with that in week 1, which persisted as 60.6% in the follow-up at week 12 in the MFR group compared to the baseline. The mixed ANOVA also revealed significant group-by-time interactions for changes in PPT over the gastrocnemii and soleus muscles, and the calcaneus (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that MFR is more effective than a control intervention for PHP.     

The incidence of breakthrough pain associated with programmed intermittent bolus volumes for labor epidural analgesia: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn this randomized, blinded study, we evaluated the effects of different programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) volumes for labor analgesia on the incidence of breakthrough pain and other analgesic outcomes.MethodsNulliparous women with term cephalic singleton pregnancies who requested labor analgesia had epidural analgesia initiated with 10 mL 0.1% ropivacaine with sufentanil 0.3 μg/mL. The pump was programmed to deliver a 4, 6 or 8 mL bolus every 45 min (groups 4, 6 or 8, respectively). The primary outcome was the incidence of breakthrough pain, defined as inadequate analgesia after two patient-controlled epidural analgesia administrations in a 20-min period. Secondary outcomes included ropivacaine consumption, time of the first patient-controlled epidural analgesia request, duration of the second stage of labor, and incidence of motor block.ResultsAmong 210 women randomly allocated the incidence of breakthrough pain was 34.9%, 19.7%, and 13.1%, for groups 4, 6 and 8, respectively (P=0.011). The incidence of breakthrough pain in group 8 was lower than in group 4 (P=0.006). The median (interquartile range) hourly ropivacaine consumption was 8.2 mg/h (7.1–11.3), 10.4 mg/h (9.2–13.0), and 12.0 mg/h (11.2–13.8) in groups 4, 6 and 8, respectively (P <0.001). Group 8 had a longer duration of effective analgesia and longer second stage of labor than group 4. There was no significant difference between groups in the incidence of motor block.ConclusionThe larger PIEB volumes were preferred for epidural labor analgesia compared with a smaller volume because of improved analgesia without clinically significant increases in adverse effects.     

按摩足太阳膀胱经治疗颈型颈椎病的随机对照临床研究

目的:探讨温热、按摩、挤压足太阳膀胱经对治疗颈型颈椎病的颈项强痛、活动受限等症状的临床疗效。方法:符合颈型颈椎病诊断标准的受试者222例,其中治疗组113例,男20例,女93例;年龄41~68岁,平均53.6岁;病程6d~30年;采用温热理疗床治疗。对照组109例,男21例,女88例;年龄37~69岁,平均54.4岁;病程4d~31年;以场效应治疗仪配合无针针灸按摩仪进行治疗。两组病例在性别、年龄和病程方面比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。采用积分法比较两组主要症状体征的差异。结果:222例经过3个月治疗随访,两种治疗方法对于缓解颈项痛、上肢痛、头痛、肩部疼痛、颈部活动度均有显著疗效。治疗组在改善颈部活动度、缓解枕下及椎周软组织压痛优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:温热理疗床通过连续按摩、挤压足太阳膀胱经中的相应腧穴,具有温经通络、解痉止痛的作用。     

Atlantoaxial instability in a patient with neck pain and rheumatoid arthritis

Context: The purpose of this report is to describe the clinical decision-making process for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with neck pain with underlying atlantoaxial instability.Findings: The patient was evaluated for worsening upper neck pain that began insidiously 1 year prior. The patient denied numbness or tingling in her upper or lower extremities, dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty maintaining balance with walking, or muscle weakness. Cervical spine range of motion was limited in all planes due to pain and apprehension. The patient’s neurological examination was unremarkable. Prior flexion and extension radiographs of the cervical spine were interpreted as unremarkable with alignment preserved in flexion and extension. However, upon further inspection, the cervical spine flexion radiograph was concerning for inadequate cervical motion, which may have limited the diagnostic utility of these radiographs. Additionally, a Sharp-Purser test was performed, which was positive for excessive motion. Flexion and extension radiographs of the cervical spine were then repeated ensuring the patient adequately flexed and extended during the imaging. Severe anterior subluxation of C1 relative to C2 with cervical flexion was noted, as C1 moved as much as 8–9 mm anterior to C2 with cervical flexion. Given the degree of atlantoaxial instability, the patient subsequently underwent successful posterior fusion from the occiput to C2.Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: This case report demonstrates the importance of properly screening for upper cervical spine instability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and neck pain and understanding the importance of obtaining adequate and appropriate diagnostic imaging.