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

Background: Deglutition dysfunction like dysphagia may be associated with cervical symptoms. Findings: A 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. Conclusions: Diagnostic hypothesis was a combination of cervical disc dysfunction associated with C6 osteophyte and reduced functional stability.