Pain and the cervical spine.

Persistent neck symptoms following flexion-extension type injuries are common and may respond to early mobilization. Cervical degenerative disc and joint disease probably account for most chronic neck-related problems. Most often symptoms result from compression of neural structures, especially nerve roots. The cervical spine is commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory arthropathies. Potentially serious complications usually result from subluxations at C1-C2, usually in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Most problems causing neck pain without neurologic signs or symptoms can be managed conservatively with physical therapy maneuvers, especially interrupted traction.