Correlation of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) in Neck Pain Patients and Patients With Voice Disorders

Correlation of the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) in Neck Pain Patients and Patients With Voice Disorders

This study investigates in patients whose primary complaint is either neck pain and/or a voice disorder , if there are any correlations between subjective neck and voice symptoms according to Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). NDI and VHI questionnaire results for voice disordered patients will be retrieved from the data base of the Department of Phoniatrics and Speech Pathology, University Hospital Zurich. Neck pain patient questionnaire data will be retrieved from an ongoing study. The agreement between subjective neck handicap (NDI) and voice handicap (VHI) will be statistically analysed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years old
• primary diagnose of a functional disorder of the muscular structure in the neck area
• primary diagnose of a functional or secondary structural voice disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• systemic illness of the motion apparatus (i.e., polyarthritis rheumatica)
• acute cancer
• neurogenic voice and swallow disorder
• Intubation within the last 18 months
• lack of german knowledge, (not able to fill out a questionnaire independently)