Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze the reason of cervical muscle strain misdiagnosed as cervical spondylopathy, and confirm the diagnosis and the best treatment.MethodsThe data of cervical X ray (direct, lateral and double oblique), CT and MRI (degeneration degree and lordosis of cervical spine, the changes of vertebral interspace, vertebral joint, intervertebral disc, intervertebral foramen, and transverse foramen) of 32 patients with cervical muscle strain were analyzed corresponding with clinical symptoms and signs. The attribute of the symptoms and signs were distinguished.ResultsIn all patients, besides the common symptoms and signs, there were 26 patients having degeneration and 17 alignment of the cervical spine from X ray, and 29 cases having cervical disc herniation from CT or MRI. After 5～10 times manipulation curing, 22 patients were cured, 8 patients were obviously improved and 2 patients were better than before.ConclusionCervical muscle strain and cervical spondylopathy have some similar symptoms and signs. But their attribute and therapeutics are very different. Manipulation is an effective and stable therapeutic method for cervical muscle strain.

Key words: cervical muscle strain, cervical spondylopathy, misdiagnosis