Acute locking of the cervical spine - An analysis of fourteen incidents treated in a Johannesburg practice

Thirteen patients with acute locking of the cervical spine were treated in a physiotherapy practice and their data were analysed. The patients were mostly adolescents and young adults of both sexes. The upper cervical spine was involved in most cases. The accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this clinical syndrome is described. This condition responds readily to specific mobilisation or manipulation techniques.