Physiotherapy management of a patient with neck pain having block vertebra: A case report

Abstract

Background: Congenital fused/block vertebrae is an accidental finding in most cases. It remains asymptomatic unless struck by any traumatic event or repetitive event occurs. Symptomatic cases can present with several musculoskeletal impairments including one starting from neck pain. It should be addressed properly to help patients recover the mechanical strains on the structures.Case Presentation: A referred case of a 21-year-old male engineering student who presented with complaints of neck pain (non-radiating) for a week. The intensity of the pain had been intermittently increasing/decreasing for about a year and about 2-3 episodes in a month for approximately one year. He presented with an X-ray which showed C-3/C-4 block vertebrae. The patient was managed using pain education and exercises along with ergonomic advice.Conclusion: Patient-reported pain was decreased significantly from the initial visit. The patient was able to sit for a longer duration and had a considerable improvement in function.