The Treatment 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 <a href="http://www.metropain.org">shoulder and spinal pain</a> 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.
When cervical spondylosis is diagnosed, there are a number of treatments that one may benefit from. All are aimed at not only relieving the symptoms but also preventing further damage to the affected structures. The treatment modalities include both non-surgical and surgical options. Physical therapy is one of the most commonly used and most effective conservative interventions. It consists of both active and passive neck and shoulder stretching exercises. Traction is considered part of physical therapy.
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.
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.
A clinical history, a physical examination and several investigations are needed to make a diagnosis of spinal stenosis. X-rays are particularly useful here. They help in assessing the bony components for conditions such as fractures, bony spurs and bone infections among others. If there is a need to evaluate the soft tissues as well, other modalities such as CT scan and MRI have to be used.
Conservative treatments may be considered in patients with stenosis but the definitive management remains surgery. The objective of the operation is to create more space within the canal for the cord. This is why the surgeries of these nature are generally known as decompression operations. There are many sub-types that exist and are named based on the part that is removed. Removal of the lamina is known as laminectomy and that of the vertebral body is known as corpectomy.
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.
There are many other causes of pain on the shoulder and neck regions. The good news is that many of them can be managed successfully through conservative approaches. You need to see a doctor if your symptoms fail to respond to home remedies such as over the counter pain relievers, hot and cold compression and physical exercise.
Get a list of the things to consider before selecting a doctor and more information about a <a href="http://www.metropain.org">shoulder and spinal pain</a> treatment professional at http://www.metropain.org now.
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New Unique Article!
Title: The Treatment Of Shoulder And Spinal Pain
Author: Margaret Rogers
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: shoulder and spinal pain
Word Count: 564
Category: Disease & Illness
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