Neck Pain: Many Approaches Work Better Than One

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Neck Pain: Many Approaches Work Better Than One 

According to a recent study, when a patient has pain in their neck (cervical) whether it stays in the neck area  (local) or it spreads further than the neck (radiates, therefore we call this a “radiculopathy”) the best approach is more than one approach.
Cervical radiculopathy is a disease process marked by nerve compression from herniated disk material (the disk between the vertebrae has been damaged in some way leading either to the nerve being pressed on by the disk material or the disk material bursting pushing itself into the spinal canal and compressing the disk this way) or arthritic bone spurs (when the vertebrae is continuously hurt, the body grows more bone material to protect itself – this leads to “spurs” of bone on the sides, or the front, or the back of the vertebrae, or in more than one location.
Routinely, most patients improve over time with a focused, nonoperative treatment course.
These approaches may include:
  1. Cervical collars may be used for a short period of immobilization
  2. Traction may temporarily decompress nerve impingement. 
  3. Medications may help alleviate pain and neuropathic symptoms. 
  4. Chiropractic and physical therapy may improve neck discomfort, and 
  5. Selective nerve blocks target nerve root pain

Although the effectiveness of individual treatments is controversial, a multimodal approach may benefit patients with cervical radiculopathy and associated neck pain.
Am Fam Physician. 2010 Jan 1;81(1):33-40.

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