Figure 1.

Results of the decision tree analysis of the patient characteristics that best define the clinical scenarios where mobilization was rated inappropriate

CNP = chronic neck (cervical) pain

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¹Red flags = Those factors where the risk may outweigh the benefit, such as:

fever greater than 100 degrees F;

prolonged corticosteroid use;

unexplained weight loss;

history of cancer;

history of serious systemic inflammatory arthritides or vasculitides;

endocrinopathies that affect calcium metabolism.

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²Major neurologic findings = At least one of the following:

neurologic signs of cervical myelopathy;

progressive unilateral muscle weakness and/or motor loss documented by repeat exam over time;

sensory deficits other than related to dermatomes or peripheral nerves;

and/or electrodiagnostic findings of acute and/or progressive radiculopathy.

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³Minor neurologic findings = At least one of the following:

asymmetrically decreased reflexes in upper extremity;

documented dermatomal or peripheral nerve sensory changes which may include deficit, paresthesia, and hyperesthesia;

non-progressive unilateral muscle weakness and/or parasthesia that follows a radicular pattern.

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