Physical Therapist's Guide to Cervical Radiculopathy
Physical Therapist's Guide to Cervical Radiculopathy
By Action PT
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24 Jun, 2020
Chronic pain occurs when the brain concludes there is a threat to well-being based on signals from the body. This pain can occur without actual tissue damage and beyond normal healing time. An estimated 116 million Americans experience chronic pain annually, costing $560-$635 billion for medical treatment, lost work, and wages. Chronic pain can be caused by various conditions including trauma, diabetes, fibromyalgia, limb amputation, and certain diseases like cancer and arthritis.
Chronic pain affects people differently, leading to decreased activity, job loss, financial difficulties, anxiety, depression, and disability. Physical therapists work with chronic pain patients to reduce pain and restore activity levels. With treatment, adverse effects can be mitigated. For more resources, visit our Health Center on Pain and Opioid Use for Pain Management. The American Physical Therapy Association launched a campaign to raise awareness about opioid risks and promote physical therapy as a safe alternative for long-term pain management. learn more
What Is Chronic Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensation often linked with injury or tissue damage but can occur without it. Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain lasts up to 12 weeks and serves as a warning of tissue damage or potential injury. Chronic pain lasts more than three months and isn't necessarily a warning of injury; instead, brain changes may cause it.
When you experience pain, nerves send signals from the problem area to the brain, which assesses the threat and decides on action. With chronic pain, the brain and nervous system stay on "high alert," making you more sensitive to pain. This increased sensitivity can make any sensation feel like a threat, perpetuating pain symptoms.
How Does It Feel?
Chronic pain is very personal and varies in frequency, severity, and duration. Common complaints include pervasive pain, sudden stabs of pain, and worsened symptoms due to stress or certain activities. Emotional responses like anxiety and depression are common, and physical symptoms may spread. Despite these feelings, it doesn't necessarily mean the condition is worsening; the nervous system may just be more sensitive.
Signs and Symptoms
Research identifies signs of chronic pain syndrome including fear of increased pain, stiffness, deconditioning, decreased circulation, weight gain, and increased medication use. Individuals may seek multiple healthcare providers, face job performance issues, and avoid social activities. Chronic pain can lead to bitterness, frustration, and in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. It's crucial to communicate such feelings to a doctor for appropriate care.
Diagnosis
Your physical therapist will ask about your health history, symptoms, and complete pain questionnaires. Tests and movements will be performed to identify posture, flexibility, muscle strength, mobility, and movement issues. Imaging tests are generally not useful for chronic pain diagnosis but may be suggested if a serious condition is suspected.
Physical therapists work with physicians to diagnose and treat chronic pain. They help improve movement, teach pain management strategies, and design individualized treatment plans. Treatments include education, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, posture awareness, and sometimes ice, heat, or electrical stimulation depending on the condition.
Things to Avoid with Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Oct 04, 2022
Your spine comprises vertebrae and soft jelly-like discs, forming a canal for the spinal cord. Conditions like osteoarthritis can narrow this canal, causing spinal stenosis.
Do you need surgical treatment for Cervical Spinal Stenosis?
Conservative treatments often don't provide a permanent solution for cervical spinal stenosis, and surgical treatment may be necessary. Consult Dr. Moksha Ranasinghe at Southern California Brain & Spine Surgery for an evaluation.
About Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Stenosis can occur in any spinal region, but in the neck (C1 - C7), it is called cervical spinal stenosis. It can sometimes cause nerve compression or spinal cord injury. Most cases can be managed with non-surgical treatments.
Causes
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is spine deterioration over time. Other causes include:
Disc Herniation: Herniated or slipped discs cramp the spinal canal space.
Osteophytes: Bone spurs grow along vertebrae, causing spinal congestion.
Injuries: Spine injuries cause bones to move, pressuring spinal nerves.
Tumors: Cancerous tumors compress the spine.
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Additional resources:Quick Guide To The Best Hospital Beds For Home
Use of Laparoscopic Trocar and Cannula
Following guidelines can help manage stenosis without invasive procedures.
Things to Avoid with Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is a musculoskeletal condition often managed conservatively. To improve life quality, patients should avoid activities exacerbating symptoms.
Avoid Neck Rotation Exercises
Patients should avoid exercises stressing the neck. Recommended exercises include chin tucks and shoulder circles, but rolling or rotation exercises are contraindicated.
Avoid Neck Strains
Reducing neck strain is crucial. Strain increases nerve impingement and muscle spasms. Avoid bending the neck for extended periods, like when using mobiles or laptops.
Avoid Awkward Neck Postures
Avoid cradling your neck during calls or carrying heavy weights on one shoulder. Use hands-free devices and two-strap bags to distribute weight evenly.
Avoid Contact Sports
Contact sports like football or basketball can add trauma to the cervical spine, leading to severe conditions. Avoid jerky and ballistic movements in sports to prevent worsening stenosis.
Avoid Poor Sleeping Positions
Sleeping on your stomach can aggravate neck rotation. Use neck braces while sleeping to maintain a neutral spine position.
Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms
Ignoring early signs like persistent neck pain during daily activities can worsen the condition. Seek timely medical attention.
Avoid Alcohol Consumption and Smoking
Alcohol slows healing and worsens symptoms. Smoking accelerates nerve damage by compromising blood supply. Avoid both to reduce local hypoxia and nerve damage.
Avoid Poor Dietary Habits
Maintain a healthy diet to manage body weight and keep discs hydrated. Poor diet increases weight and inflammation, putting extra pressure on the cervical spine.
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