Neck pain and dysphagia associated to disc protrusion and reduced functional stability: A case report

SummaryBackgroundDeglutition dysfunction like dysphagia may be associated with cervical symptoms.FindingsA young female complained of pain on the neck and swallowing dysfunction that was reduced by means of isometric contraction of cervical muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an anterior C5-C6 disc protrusion associated with a lesion of the anterior longitudinal ligament. Barium radiograph showed a small anterior cervical osteophyte at C6 level and dynamic X-ray excluded anatomical instability. The treatment included manual therapy and active exercises to improve muscular stability.ConclusionsDiagnostic hypothesis was a combination of cervical disc dysfunction associated with C6 osteophyte and reduced functional stability.