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Diagnosis

As there are many causes of neck pain, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Clinical methods used by Australian Spine Institute members have been successfully used in 26 countries worldwide. 

In order to diagnose pain originating from the cervical spine it is helpful to have a good understanding of the research findings related to:

1. The different types of pain such as: chemical, mechanical, somatic, referred, radicular, neurogenic, psychological, other.
2. The possible sources of pain such as: muscles, ligaments, zygapophyseal joints, discs, dura, nerve roots, other.
3. The mechanisms of symptom production such as:

4. The use and limitations of radiographic findings such as: X-rays, CT scans, Myelograms, MRI, discograms, bone scans.
5. The specific questions to be asked to determine the nature and behaviour of the pain
6. The specific tests to be applied to evaluate the structures that maybe involved

It is also useful to understand the mechanisms of other interventions, medical or otherwise, and the effects they may have had on the client’s symptoms.

These findings are matched with the patient’s relevant signs and symptoms to reach a logical and scientific conclusion that is consistent with the research literature.

An appropriate treatment strategy is then developed from analysis of this information

Treatment

Treatment is based on your specific diagnosis. Australian Spine Institute members emphasize treatment methods that are active, educational and promote independence.

Treatment you may receive include specific exercises, joint mobilisation, joint manipulation, functional restoration programs including strength and conditioning and education on diagnosis, treatment, self management, and prevention.

Clinical findings have demonstrated that only 1% of clients may require manipulation and that up to 30% may require joint mobilization. These techniques are used as adjuncts to treatment and applied only when indicated.

There are many other treatments that are not used by the Australian Spine Institute because of the lack of scientific evidence to support their use in addressing the following factors with spine related pain:

• the cause of the problem
• the healing process
• the long term outcome

These treatment modalities include hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound, magnets, interferential therapy, TENS therapy, short wave diathermy, microwave, infrared lamps, laser, acupuncture, machine traction, iontophoresis, or any other therapies that lack scientific evidence to support their use. These treatment modalities may provide a placebo effect or short term pain reduction.

Our focus is to make you self reliant and independent of therapists for the prevention and management of future episodes of neck pain using research based strategies.

Education

With your specific neck complaint, you will receive specific advice and education for your problem. This is important as many neck complaints, although seem similar, require different advice to effectively manage them.

At the Australian Spine Institute, we value education so highly that it is the cornerstone of our treatment and management programs.

Through education, treatment can then be developed into self treatment strategies which in turn can lead to preventative strategies. This will then provide you with long term self management skills for your neck.

For further information on educational booklets that show how your spine works and how to use it correctly go to the booklets page.

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Last Modified: July 18, 2001