Red Flags in the Evaluation of Radicular Neck Pain

Dec 21, 2024 • Mark Morgan

categories: orthopedic

This is a list of red flags for neck pain.

Red Flags in the Evaluation of Radicular Neck Pain
Fever (concern for malignancy or spinal abscess) History of cancer (concern for malignancy) Night pain (concern for malignancy) Weight loss (concern for malignancy) Gait abnormality (concern for malignancy) Decreased dexterity (concern for myelopathy) Urinary urgency (concern for myelopathy) Ataxia (concern for myelopathy) Clonus (concern for myelopathy) Hyperreflexia (concern for myelopathy) History of intravenous drug use (concern for spinal abscess) Immunocompromise (concern for spinal abscess) Neurologic deficit (concern for spinal abscess)
Number of Red Flags --> numberscore1=(Q1)
Recommendation --> suggestionscore2=(Q1);score2>0?'Directed immediate workup is required':'No red flags are present'
display/hide references
Reference:
#1 Childress MA, Becker BA. Nonoperative Management of Cervical Radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician. 2016 May 1;93(9):746-54.

Red Flags in the Evaluation of Radicular Neck Pain

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