Objective Measures Relating Cervical Dysfunction to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Effects

The majority of musculoskeletal (MSD) impairments in the cervical (neck) region cannot be determined through MRIs or radiographs but are instead diagnosed through a clinical assessment technique using palpation. Palpatory diagnostic techniques are based on range of motion (ROM), tissue textures, quality of motion (smooth, elastic or bone on bone) and symmetry [1]. However, because scientifically accepted objective measures are not yet available to complement a clinical diagnosis, the documentation of the impairment as well as effects of treatment can be challenging. Thus, the purpose of this research was to explore the use of three-dimensional kinematics as a potential tool for relating movement patterns of the head/neck to clinical diagnosis and documenting treatment effects.