ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the clinical evaluation and management of six cervical spine pathologies. They will be presented in a variety of settings using both on-field and off-field scenarios. The pathologies presented in this chapter include both acute and chronic pathologies. They are a good representation of injuries encountered by a certified athletic trainer. One of the cases, although considered by many to be rare in athletics, is still probable and if mismanaged is likely to have catastrophic results. Cervical spine injuries can also manifest themselves as chronic injuries and are often the result of years of repetitive microtrauma. In the workplace, musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and shoulder are frequent, and are a concern among the working population. They are more frequent among women than men. Disorders of the neck and shoulder are often the result of multiple factors such as stress, ergonomics, chronic muscular fatigue caused by poor cervical and thoracic posture, aging and improper lifting.
