Physiotherapists’ identification and knowledge of Cervical Artery Dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose: Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of global disability, with its prevalence exceeding 30%. Consequently, physiotherapists assess a significant number of patients with neck pain. However, some conditions, such as vertebral artery dissection, are known to masquerade as musculoskeletal neck pain and require immediate medical referral. Usual musculoskeletal management of such patients could exacerbate their condition with life-threatening outcomes therefore it is vital that physiotherapists have knowledge of differing characteristics of pain presentations in order to manage each condition safely and effectively.