Common treatment options for neck pain When treating axial neck pain, one must differentiate between a muscle/soft tissue injury versus bone/joint-related injury. Soft tissue injury may include whiplash injury, muscle strain, or myofascial pain. In these cases, conservative strategies are emphasized. Postural correction while sitting, at work, or in bed is recommended. Physical therapy working …
common imaging and testing modalities for neck pain Depending on presentation of pain, evaluation with imaging can be useful. Plain films or x-ray seems to be most useful when evaluating a patient who is 50 years of age or older. Lateral views can help evaluate facet arthritis and foraminal narrowing, related to arthritic change. Oblique …
Physical examination findings of cervical radiculopathy On inspection, observation of the neck and shoulder posture can be helpful. Flattening of the cervical spine could suggest degenerative change or muscle tightness. Neck stiffness can also allude to the severity of the patient’s pain as well. Limitation in range of motion can suggest soft tissue and muscle …
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Common symptoms of cervical radiculopathy What are common presentations of cervical radiculopathy? C5: May have weakness with shoulder abduction and external rotation. Muscles affected may be the rhomboid, deltoid, biceps, and infraspinatus muscles. This may affect the biceps reflex. C6: Weakness with shoulder external rotation and elbow flexion. Muscles affected include the infraspinatus, biceps, brachioradialis, …
Most common injuries of neck What are certain features of the cervical spine? Common injuries affecting the cervical spine The integration of the occiput with C1 and the atlantooccipital joint, provide one-third of flexion-extension and 50% of lateral bending. The atlantoaxial joint and articulation between C1 and C2 provide 50% of rotation. The joints of …
What are some of the caveats about atypical presentations of abdominal pain? In certain circumstances, such as in older or immunosuppressed patients, common abdominal disorders may present in an atypical fashion. Fever may be absent or low grade, signs of peritoneal irritation may be blunted, and an altered mental status (e.g., dementia) may modify the …
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How can abdominal pain caused by disorders of the abdominal wall be distinguished from pain of intraabdominal origin? Carnett’s test can help make this distinction. First, the site of maximum tenderness is identified. The patient is then asked to assume a partial seated position with arms crossed, which causes the abdominal wall muscles to generate …