ABSTRACT
Nonspinal musculoskeletal disorders frequently cause neck and back pain and thus can mimic conditions of the spine. Common mimics are rotator cuff tears, bursitis in the hip, peripheral nerve compression, and arthritis in the shoulder and hip. A thorough history and physical examination, imaging studies, and ancillary testing can usually help determine the source of pain.
Footnotes
↵* Dr. Lieberman is a founder and is on the board of Merlot OrthopediX and has received royalties, consulting fees, or honoraria from the Axiomed Spine, CrossTrees Medical, DePuy Spine, Kyphon, Mazor Surgical Technologies, Stryker Spine, and Trans1 corporations.
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