Monday, August 4, 2014

Neck And Shoulder Pain

Neck And Shoulder Pain
There are a multitude of causes of neck and shoulder pain. Many times, nerves are damaged that can create neck and shoulder pain. Causes can also include problems in the joints or bones, degenerative diseases, poor posture, trauma, or other types of injury. Pain is usually felt in the soft tissue areas like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This pain is typically caused by some type of muscle strain or chronic condition. Since the neck is quite flexible and active, it is naturally less stable than other larger parts of the body, leaving it susceptible to injury.



The shoulder, on the other hand, is a large joint with extensive range of motion. It is a ball and socket joint, so joints such as shoulder joints are also susceptible to injury. Shoulder pain can originate from a number of causes. These causes can include strains from over exertion, dislocation of the shoulder, tendonitis, general joint instability, a syndrome called frozen shoulder, fractures, or pinched nerves. All of these causes can create significant discomfort and neck and shoulder pain.



To diagnose neck and shoulder pain, there are a few options. The most obvious option is to locate the exact area of the neck and shoulder pain and have the area x rayed. Standard radiography can locate spacing between discs that cause pain. It can also identify diseases such as arthritis, lesions that can destroy joints, slippage of joint areas, fractures, and any other instability. You can also use an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging that can identify nerve related neck and shoulder pain. CT scanning can also be used. There are also electro diagnostic studies that are helpful in diagnosing neck and shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, arm pain, etc.



Standard treatment for neck and shoulder pain caused by soft tissue damage is readily available and includes the use of various drugs. Acetaminophen is effective, as is moist heat or ice to the affected neck and shoulder pain area. A cortisone injection can show dramatic results, especially in the case of arthritis. One option a patient can choose to alleviate neck and shoulder pain is to increase their movement in the affected area by utilizing structured movement. It is well known that controlled movement can have positive results.






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