A patient is being treated at the physical therapy clinic for cervical disk protrusion. During a treatment session the patient complains of a new onset of urinary incontinence. What is the correct course of action by the physical therapist?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With any kind of incontinence, the onset of cervical spine pain at the same time that urinary incontinence develops is a red flag. These two findings will suggest that a protrusion is pressing on the spinal cord. If a medical diagnosis for cervical disk protrusion has been established, referral will not be necessary. However, if incontinence is a new development from the time of the medical evaluation, the physician should be made aware of this information. Cervical spinal manipulation is considered contraindicated.

A Patient Is Being Treated at the Physical Therapy Clinic