Importance of full evaluation in patients who complain of neck pain

Abstract

Introduction

Although neck pain is common in patients with chronic rheumatic disorders, any change in the quality or severity of pain should be further investigated.

Materials and methods

We report two patients who recently presented with increasing neck pain on a background of chronic inflammatory arthritis.

Results

Both patients were found to have suffered fractures of the cervical spine. In each case, the bones appeared osteopenic and reduced bone density is likely to have made the patients susceptible to fracture.

Conclusion

This report highlights the need to comprehensively evaluate patients with chronic rheumatic disorders who note a significant change in their neck symptoms.