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.
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.
A number of medical treatments can be used for this condition either singly or in combination. Examples include muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), narcotics, anti-epileptic drugs and steroid injections among others. It is only when the medical treatment proves to be ineffective that surgical intervention should be considered. Surgery is indicated in cases such as bony spurs, herniated discs and abnormal vertebral bones. Fortunately, most patients tend to show improvement with conservative treatments.
Spinal stenosis is another common cause of pain whose effects are similar to those of spondylosis. Stenosis denotes the narrowing of the spinal canal for one reason or the other. For most cases, there is underlying arthritis of the affected regions. Bony spurs are also a common finding in some of the persons suffering from the problem. Stenosis usually results in compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
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 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.
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.
A number of medical treatments can be used for this condition either singly or in combination. Examples include muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), narcotics, anti-epileptic drugs and steroid injections among others. It is only when the medical treatment proves to be ineffective that surgical intervention should be considered. Surgery is indicated in cases such as bony spurs, herniated discs and abnormal vertebral bones. Fortunately, most patients tend to show improvement with conservative treatments.
Spinal stenosis is another common cause of pain whose effects are similar to those of spondylosis. Stenosis denotes the narrowing of the spinal canal for one reason or the other. For most cases, there is underlying arthritis of the affected regions. Bony spurs are also a common finding in some of the persons suffering from the problem. Stenosis usually results in compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
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 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.
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