Neck Disorders, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Improvised Treatment

This book describes Neck Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment and Improvised TreatmentThe cervical spine in the neck is made up of seven bones called vertebrae, which are separated by discs filled with a cushioning gel-like substance. The cervical discs both stabilize the neck and allow it to turn smoothly from side to side and bend forward to backDiscs allow the body to move in the way that the person wants.
They also provide cushion for the body, acting as a shock absorber. Over time, these natural shock absorbers become worn and can start to degenerate. Decades of bending, lifting, turning, and twisting can really take their toll on the neck. Considering all that repetitive stress, it's no surprise that about two-thirds of people will experience neck pain at some point in their lives. Cervical disc disease goes beyond just a pain in the neck, though.
A degenerative process can cause radiating pain, as well as numbness and weakness in the shoulders, arm, and hand. That discomfort and loss of mobility can have a major impact on the career, family, and quality of life. The space between the vertebrae narrows and nerve roots become pinched. As degenerative disc disease progresses, the neck becomes less flexible, and the person may feel neck pain and stiffness, especially towards the end of the day.
When the disc breaks open or bulges out, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots, it is known as a herniated disc or "slipped disc."While cervical disc disease is generally a slow process, a herniated disc sometimes can occur quickly after an injury or trauma to the neck. The most common and obvious symptoms of cervical degenerative disc disease are neck pain and a stiff neck. When one of these conditions presses on one or more of the many nerves running through the spinal cord, the person also can develop pain, numbness, or weakness radiating down the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Neck painFor many people, neck pain is a temporary condition that disappears with time. Others need medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve their symptoms. Neck pain may result from abnormalities in the soft tissues-the muscles, ligaments, and nerves-as well as in bones and disks of the spineCervical Disk Degeneration (Spondylosis)In cervical disk degeneration (which typically occurs in people age 40 years and older), the normal gelatin-like center of the disk degenerates and the space between the vertebrae narrows.
As the disk space narrows, added stress is applied to the joints of the spine causing further wear and degenerative disease. InjurySince the neck is so flexible and because it supports the head, it is extremely vulnerable to injury. Motor vehicle or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls may result in neck injuryThe person will likely have a neurological exam to test the strength, reflexes, and the sensation in the arm and hand, if they are affected.
Imaging tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans can help the doctor visualize the spinal cord to pinpoint the source of the neck pain. Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. The first line in treatment for cervical disc disease is over-the-counter pain medicationsThe doctor might prescribe steroids or narcotic painkillers if over-the-counter medications are not working.
Physical therapy is another treatment option for cervical disc diseaseThe main surgery for degenerative disc disease is called a diskectomyDiskectomy may also be followed by cervical fusionOnce symptoms improve, the person should prevent the next occurrence. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Neck DisordersChapter 2 Neck PainChapter 3 Cervical SpondylosisChapter 4 Neck injuryChapter 5...