cervical spine

Question 1

Cervical strain

Answer 1

=Develops over time caused by poor posture, muscle stretch injuries and compressive forced (E.g. car accidents)
Can affect any age range
Risks- poor posture, reduced neck strength, long term stress
Symptoms- tenderness, swelling, stiffness, headaches, muscle spasms
Prognosis- will often get better on its own with pain killers, physical therapy

Question 2

Cervical degeneration

Answer 2

=when one of more discs in the spine break down due to wear and tear and injury
Most common in 15-45 YOA
Risks- genetics, obesity, smoking, spine injury
Symptoms- stiff/ inflexible neck, severe pain, numbness, weakness, pain getting worse when bending/ turning neck
Prognosis- can’t be reversed but exercise and stretching can minimise pain and reduce future problems

Question 3

Cervical herniation

Answer 3

=gel in a disc ruptured through a weak area
Caused by Disc degeneration Over time. As it dries out, cracks and tears it becomes less flexible/ durable. Direct impact on spine also causes it
Between 35-50 YOA
Risks- weight, occupation, smoking, frequent driving, sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms- neck is swollen, tender or painful to touch, decreased ROM, numbness, weakness, out of place disc on mri
Prognosis- often heals on own but will most likely need treatment. NSAIDs, steroid injections, physical therapy to strengthen muscles

Question 4

Cervical stenosis

Answer 4

=occurs when spinal canal is too small for the spinal cord and nerve roots causing damage to the spinal cord and radiculopathy to nerves
Caused by shorter Pedicles, degenerative arthritis, increased size of ligamentum flavum and RA
30-50 YOA
Risks- old age, ppt in contact sport, major trauma to neck, genetics
Symptoms- neck pain, pain in one/ both arms, numbness, loss of co ordination, bowel/ bladder problems, numbness in legs/ feet
Prognosis- no cure but treatment and exercise can relieve pain

Question 5

Cervical facet syndrome

Answer 5

=where facet joints become a source of pain
Caused by blunt trauma or whiplash or aging as this puts stress on facet joints
Seen in aging population
Risks- ageing, traumatic injury
Symptoms- neck stiffness/ pain, crepitus, headaches, muscle spasms, intense pain in the am and end of the day, neurological pain
Prognosis- gets worse without treatment. Lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms