Neck pain: a long-term follow-up of 205 patients

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1987 Jan-Feb;12(1):1-5. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198701000-00001.

Abstract

Two hundred five patients with neck pain were evaluated clinically and roentgenographically for a minimum of 10 years after onset of symptoms. Seventy-nine percent had a decrease in pain, and 43% were free of pain; however, 32% had moderate or severe residual pain. Patients who had been injured and initially had severe pain were the most likely to have an unsatisfactory outcome; however, no other clinical features were of value in predicting the final result. The presence or severity of pain was not related to the presence of degenerative changes, the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal, the degree of cervical lordosis, or to any changes in these measurements over the evaluation period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Lordosis / complications
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neck*
  • Osteoarthritis / complications
  • Pain / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Spinal Osteophytosis / complications
  • Spinal Stenosis / complications
  • Time Factors