Sunday, July 24, 2016

Basics Relating To The Management Of Shoulder And Spinal Pain

By Margaret Rogers


There is a wide range of causes of shoulder and neck pain. Among the commonest causes of shoulder and spinal pain is a condition known as cervical spondylosis or neck arthritis. This is a degenerative condition commonest in the seventh decade of life. The underlying problem is gradual wear and tear of connective tissues such as cartilage and bone. Whereas about 85% of seniors in Greenbelt, MD, have the problem, a majority do not exhibit any symptoms.

Cervical spondylosis can be treated in a number of ways. The treatments are broadly divided into conservative and invasive (or surgical options). Both options are designed to provide symptomatic relief and to prevent disease progression Physical therapy is one of the most useful conservative approaches that exist. The treatment involves the performance of passive and active physical exercises that mainly involve the stretching of neck and shoulder muscles.

There are a number of drugs that are used to provide relief for this problem. They are either used singly or combined. Examples include narcotics, anti-epileptic mediation, muscle relaxants and steroids among others. Surgery becomes an option if the medical treatments fail to yield the intended results. Surgical options are considered if the medical treatments prove ineffective. Conditions that may benefit from surgical intervention include prolapsed disks, bony spurs and abnormal anatomy of neck structures.

Another common cause of pain is a condition known as spinal stenosis. This simply refers to the narrowing of the spine in a background of arthritis. The main cause of the narrowing is the presence of bony spurs in the canal. The consequence of this is compression of the spinal cord and associated nerve roots. One will typically experience pain in the limbs associated with numbness and a tingling sensation.

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.

Conservative treatments are commonly used here but most patients end up in surgery to relieve the pressure on the spine. Operations done for this condition are collectively known as spinal decompression procedures. There are many sub-types that exist and the choice is dependent on the exact problem that exists. For instance, if the operation involves the removal of a vertebral body it will be termed corpectomy and if it involves just the lamina, laminectomy.

Herniation of inter-vertebral discs is another well-known cause of pain. The herniation may occur in any region of the spine including the neck. When the disc herniates, it impinges on the nerves within its vicinity. Symptoms will be experienced in the areas innervated by these nerves such as the shoulder, the arm and the hands. Treatment is through traction or surgery.

Pain in the shoulder and neck has numerous other origins. The fortunate thing is that most are usually managed with conservative approaches without any major consequences. It is important that one consults a doctor if the symptom persist after the use of home based therapies. This will help rule out any serious underlying conditions before they advance.




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