NECK PAIN
Neck pain has become one of the main problems of modern society in recent years. Our neck is a tissue that carries our head, which contains the brain and 5 sense organs. The neck region can be easily affected by all kinds of external factors, as it is both a transition zone where vital centers are connected and also undertakes static duties as an extension of the spine. Diagnostic methods evaluated in several steps are applied to find the cause of the disease in neck pain.
- METHODS OF DIAGNOSIS IN NECK PAIN
The following questions are asked to those who apply with neck pain.
1- Does the pain really exist?
2- What is the reason that started the pain?
3- Where does the pain manifest itself?
4- Is the pain spreading? and where?
5- How long has the pain been present?
6- What is the severity of the pain?
7- What kind of pain is it?
8- Is the pain related to rest or movement?
9- What is its connection with weather conditions?
10- What are the reasons that increase and decrease the pain?
11-Is there a relationship between day-night and seasons?
12-Are there any findings accompanying the pain?
13-Does the pain limit daily life?
In addition, it should be asked whether the patient has a history of trauma (fall, crash, accident). If any, it is necessary to learn how the injury or accident occurred and the place it affected (traffic, work, home accident, etc.).
- EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT
Observation of the patient: Neck. Growths due to thyroid gland disease called goiter may be seen in the front part. Painful areas are pressed by hand and the joints around the neck are checked one by one. Then, it is evaluated whether there is tenderness in 3 important muscle groups of the neck. These; paraspinal muscles, sterno-cleidoma stoideus muscle and trapezius muscle.
Measurement of neck movements: These operations are performed with the help of a protractor. This measurement is important because many reasons such as cervical disc herniation and muscle problems cause neck movements to be painful and limited.
- Forward (flexion),
- Backward (extension) ,
- To the sides (lateral flexions)
- Turning around its surroundings (rotations)
Neurological examination: It is an examination that should be done in almost every case of movement system diseases and It is an examination method that leads the physician to diagnosis. All the patient's reflexes are checked with a reflex hammer. The sensation spreading to the arm is controlled with the needle tip. To understand the loss of strength, the individual strengths of the neck and arm muscles are checked. The squeezing strength of the hands is evaluated separately. Here, these forces can be objectively detected by simply squeezing the cuff of a blood pressure monitor. Arm circumferences should be measured and whether there is any wasting in the muscles should be recorded.
Laboratory and Radiological Examinations: Further examinations are requested for patients deemed necessary. These; It may be a direct radiography of the cervical spine or a tomography and MRI examination. Various analyzes may be required to reach a differential diagnosis. In this context, Biochemistry and Rheumatism analyzes should be performed.
Electrophysiological examinations: This method, which reveals the damage caused by cervical disc herniations in muscles and nerves, is called EMG. It is popularly known as the electrode of muscles and nerves.
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