Cervical spondylosis is one of the cause of pain in the neck that may be referred to the shoulder. It is also referred to as neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis. It is regarded as a degenerative condition resulting from the wear and tear of connective tissues of the neck including the bones and the cartilage. It is estimated that at least 85% of persons aged above 60 years in Greenbelt, MD, have varying degrees of shoulder and spinal pain but the majority do not show any symptoms.
There are a number of treatments that can be considered once cervical spondylosis has been diagnosed. The objective of treatment is to provide symptomatic relief and prevents further damage of the affected structures. The options include conservative and invasive (surgical approaches). One of the most effective non-surgical approaches is physical therapy. It involves both passive and active exercises designed to stretch neck and shoulder muscles. Traction may be applied as part of this treatment.
There are several pharmacological agents that are used either singly or in combination. They include, for example, muscle relaxants, anti-epileptic drugs, narcotics and steroids among others. Surgical options are only considered if the medical therapies fail to yield the expected results. Surgery is most effective for conditions such as abnormal anatomical structure of vertebral bones, prolapsed discs and bony spurs among others.
Spinal stenosis is also a fairly common cause of pain in these regions. Stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is abnormally narrowed such that it compresses on the spinal cord and nerve roots found in the area around the narrowed region. Associated symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness in the upper limbs. For most of the cases, there is underlying arthritis or bony spurs.
The doctor will request for an X-ray image of your neck region if they suspect that you are suffering from this condition. The X-rays are used in evaluate the bony structures. They will help diagnose conditions such as fractures, tumors and bone infections. However, they have limited value when it comes to soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and inter-vertebral discs. An MRI of the spine will be required if such tissues are to be evaluated.
Although conservative therapies often provide relief, surgery appears to be the definitive management of most cases. The objective of surgery is to enlarge the canal and to relieve the pressure on the cord and nerve roots. The general term for this procedure is spinal decompression surgery. If the vertebral body has to be removed, it will be referred to as corpectomy, if a lamina is removed it is known as laminectomy and so on.
Inter-vertebral disc prolapse is a fairly common problem that may result in pain as well. A prolapsed disc compresses nerve roots and causes symptoms along the region that supplied by affected nerve or nerves. If the disc affected is found in the cervical region, possible symptoms include a tingling sensation and numbness in the shoulder, the arm, forearm and the hand. Traction or surgery may be required.
Pain affecting the shoulder and the neck may originate from a number of areas. Fortunately, a majority of cases can be easily managed using non-surgical means without any complications. The first step is usually to start with home based treatments but one must consult with a doctor if there is no response after two to three days.
There are a number of treatments that can be considered once cervical spondylosis has been diagnosed. The objective of treatment is to provide symptomatic relief and prevents further damage of the affected structures. The options include conservative and invasive (surgical approaches). One of the most effective non-surgical approaches is physical therapy. It involves both passive and active exercises designed to stretch neck and shoulder muscles. Traction may be applied as part of this treatment.
There are several pharmacological agents that are used either singly or in combination. They include, for example, muscle relaxants, anti-epileptic drugs, narcotics and steroids among others. Surgical options are only considered if the medical therapies fail to yield the expected results. Surgery is most effective for conditions such as abnormal anatomical structure of vertebral bones, prolapsed discs and bony spurs among others.
Spinal stenosis is also a fairly common cause of pain in these regions. Stenosis is a condition in which the spinal canal is abnormally narrowed such that it compresses on the spinal cord and nerve roots found in the area around the narrowed region. Associated symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness in the upper limbs. For most of the cases, there is underlying arthritis or bony spurs.
The doctor will request for an X-ray image of your neck region if they suspect that you are suffering from this condition. The X-rays are used in evaluate the bony structures. They will help diagnose conditions such as fractures, tumors and bone infections. However, they have limited value when it comes to soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and inter-vertebral discs. An MRI of the spine will be required if such tissues are to be evaluated.
Although conservative therapies often provide relief, surgery appears to be the definitive management of most cases. The objective of surgery is to enlarge the canal and to relieve the pressure on the cord and nerve roots. The general term for this procedure is spinal decompression surgery. If the vertebral body has to be removed, it will be referred to as corpectomy, if a lamina is removed it is known as laminectomy and so on.
Inter-vertebral disc prolapse is a fairly common problem that may result in pain as well. A prolapsed disc compresses nerve roots and causes symptoms along the region that supplied by affected nerve or nerves. If the disc affected is found in the cervical region, possible symptoms include a tingling sensation and numbness in the shoulder, the arm, forearm and the hand. Traction or surgery may be required.
Pain affecting the shoulder and the neck may originate from a number of areas. Fortunately, a majority of cases can be easily managed using non-surgical means without any complications. The first step is usually to start with home based treatments but one must consult with a doctor if there is no response after two to three days.
About the Author:
Get a list of the things to consider before selecting a doctor and more information about a shoulder and spinal pain treatment professional at http://www.metropain.org now.
No comments:
Post a Comment