Cervical Spine Evaluation by Telephone and Video Visit

Abstract

As telecommunication technologies advance, efforts are being made to mitigate direct patient contact in the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of contagion. The ability to host telephone and video visits within patient portals within health care institutions will only become increasingly valuable. Neck pain, a common complaint seen in primary care clinics, is well-suited to telemedicine evaluation, as related etiologies are often comparatively straightforward. A good assessment of the cervical spine by telephone or video is possible with the right knowledge and practice. The purpose of this article is to propose questions and maneuvers that can be used to evaluate the cervical spine via telephone or video, as well as likely diagnoses that can be reached through these. Phone and video evaluation of the cervical spine can result in valuable data regarding symmetry, range of motion, functional movement patterns, modified strength testing, and provocative testing. The skill set necessary to do telephone and video visits should be included in the curriculum of physician learners.