Re: neck pain

Posted By ccf neuro M.D. on May 23, 1997 at 17:33:48:

In Reply to: neck pain posted by Hong Quan on May 13, 1997 at 09:59:43:







: My mom suffers seious neck pain as a result of prolonged
sitting and repeated bending her neck and is diagnosed
as cervical bulging.  To relieve the pain, she went to
a massage therapist, and it was effective for a while.
Recently, she felt that the pain was getting worse and
was afraid that during the therapy, her spinal ligament
and cervical ligament were overstretched by the therapist.
Is that possible? if it is, could it worsen here condition?
and, what effect it could cause? Is that going to lead
to the degeneration of her spinal cord cells or even



          =


Hong, There are many conditions that can affect the cervical spine as people grow older. Most of these relate to arthritic changes in the veretebrae or bones of the spine in the neck. In some people, there can be weakening of the ligaments and supporting structures that surround these bones, and this may sometimes result in slippage of one vertebrae or bone upon another. If this slippage becomes too severe, difficulty with walking, coordination, sensation, and even weakness, paralysis, or death due to weakness of the muscles that control breathing may result, depending on how severe the problem is and what level of the spine the problem occurs at. Certain chiropractic manipulations can be very dangerous in patients with this particular problem, known as cervical vertebral subluxation, and could result in sudden spinal cord damage. Also, on occasion, these manipulations cause what is known as dissection or tearing of the arteries in the neck, which could result in a stroke and/or death. Thus, it is imprtant to know EXACTLY what kind of problem any person is dealing with prior to considering such manipulations, which may strain or weaken the same ligaments that cause these sorts of problems in predisposed individuals. If there is no such problem, there is less casue for concern. I would recommend that your mother be seen by either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon so that she can be examined for evidence of such problems, and particularly for any subtle signs of spinal cord compression. If you live near Cleveland, any of our neurologists could help your mother out with this type of problem. Our appointment number is 216-444-5559 or 1-800-223-2273 ext. 45559. Tests that help diagnose such problems may include flexion and extension Xrays of the cervical spine, and/or MRI scan of the cervical spine. I hope this information is useful to you.
muscle atrophy?