cervical proprioception/kinesthesia

cervical propriocpetion damage is possible after

whiplash or concussion

the abundance of mechanoreceptors/muscle spindles in cervical spine give input to CNS to control

head/eye movement and postural stability

sxs of cervical proprioception dysfunction

- dizziness

- unsteadiness

- visual disturbances

- altered balance

- altered eye and head movement control

cervicogenic dizzines vs vestibular

- CGD = lightheadedness, feeling "off" or "foggy"

- vestibular = sensation of spinning or vertigo

common sxs of neck pain w/ movement coordination impairments/whiplash associative disorder

- mechanism of onset linked to trauma or whiplash

- referred shoulder girdle or UE pain

- associated caried non specific concussive signs/sxs

- dizziness/nausea

- headache

- concentration/memory difficulties

- confusion

- hypersensitivity to mechanical, thermal, acoustic, odor, or light stimuli

expected exam findings for neck pain w/ movement coordination impairments/whiplash associative disorder

- (+) cranial cervical flexion test

- (+) neck flexor endurance test

- (+) pressure algometry

- strength and endurance deficits

- neck pain w/ mid-range motions worse at end-range

- trigger points

- altered muscle activation patterns, proprioceptive deficit, postural balance or control

joint position error tests...

tests sensorimotor control and the ability to relocate head back to central/neutral after movement with eyes closed

*assesses proprioception

positive JPET

- joint position error of 4.5 deg or more (past yellow)

JPET is coordinator with what other tests?

oculomotor nerve and balance tests

with JPET, there is greater erros in those w/

neck pain AND dizziness

cervical test for kinesthesia

with laser mounted on headband, practice tracing over a pattern placed on the wall

JPE training

- start 3-5 reps progress to 10

- change position: seated, standing, tandem, SLS, on foam

CPG for acute neck pain w/ radiatigng pain

mobilizing and stabilizing exercises

for acute neck pain w/ movement coordination impairments, how should you reassure pts?

reassure them that recovery is expected to occur within first 2-3 months