Cervical

The Skeletal System – what is it and why is it important for health ? Part 6

The skeletal system acts as a framework for the body and it protects the internal organs. There are some problems associated with the skeletal system, some of which needs immediate action and some needs care and precautions.

- Fractured Vertebra
If a person is experiencing sudden pain following an injury to the back, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, tingling or difficulty in moving limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fractured vertebrae which is diagnosed by an x-ray. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Fracture
If a person is experiencing severe pain with heavy swelling, difficulty in movement, black and blue discoloration or mishapen limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fracture and an x-ray should be done immediately. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Infected molar
If a person is experiencing an ear pain then it can be the symptom of an infected molar so you need to check it out with the dentist.

- Gout
If a person is experiencing a big toes which is twice its size and angry red and painful then it can be the symptom of gout where the uric acid is deposited in the joints of the body. A blood test and medication should be taken.

- Slipped disc
If a person is experiencing a bad back problem to an extent that it is killing you then it can be the symptom of a slipped disc which can be confirmed by an x-ray.

- Sciatica
If a person is experiencing a radiating pain along leg or foot, pins and needles and it gets worse if you are sitting for long hours, walking, running, stairs climbing or straightening the leg then these could be the symptoms of sciatica which is diagnosed by a X-ray and MRI. It often improves by physiotherapy and painkillers and by keeping a check on your sitting, sleeping and working patterns. Surgery is the last step.

- Tumor
If a person is experiencing a swelling in bone then it can be the symptom of a tumor and one should get the x-ray done.

- Spondylitis
If a person is experiencing a hurt neck then it can be the symptom for spondylitis that is the inflammation of one or more vertebrae or spondylosis which is the stiffening of a joint in the spine and it can be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI and treated by physiotherapy.

- Osteoporosis
If a person is experiencing that his or her bones break very easily even if it is a small injury then it can be the symptom of osteoporosis and you should have a bone scan done.

- Stress fracture or Muscle strain
If a person is experiencing a nagging pain which worsens over a week and it gets even worse when you exercise then it could be the symptom of a stress fracture or a muscle strain and you should get an x-ray done.

- Infection or fracture
If a person is experiencing too much pain in the joint which is combined by fever or rash then it could be the symptom of an infection or fracture and you should get an x-ray done.

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PAIN – Deep in bones and joints consequence of stress, strain, lack of exercise.

Cervical spine is the most flexible part of human body. The pain in cervical spine is the consequence of lifelong strain, incorrect posture and stress, lack of exercise and excess weight. The spinal nerves emerging from spinal chord that are responsible for arms, head and torso are very close to neural network of nervous system and the arteries that supply the brain. Sudden movements, muscle stiffness, pressure of inter-vertebral discs can lead to compression. This leads to painful cervical vertebral syndrome, which can result in paralysis.

CERVICO-BRACHIAL SYNDROME

Pinched spinal nerve roots are the cause. The pain radiates from the neck across the shoulder and into the hands. The cause is often a shrinking of the inter-vertebral disc, leading to a decline in its buffer function. The dorsal vertebrae are then subjected to a greater amount of strain, and react with osseous neo-formations. The result is bead like or spur shaped marginal spikes which stiffs the neck and press against spinal nerves and the spinal chord. An effective measure is stress reduction and muscle training. This condition is called cervico-brachial syndrome.

LOCAL CERVICAL SYNDROME

The constant bending of head cramps the trapezius muscles that connect the back of the head, vertebrae, collar bones and shoulder blades. The increased muscle tone triggers pain that radiates all the way down to the arms, legs and sternum. If the vertebral arteries or spinal canal are constricted, it can lead to migraine like attacks with headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, impaired vision and swallowing disorders.

THE LUMBAR SPINE

The lumbar vertebrae are located at the lower end of our central axis. It begins with the protrusion of the inter-vertebral disc, which results from the stress on the lower spine. Then, the gelatinous nucleus of the disc pushes against the surrounding fibrous ring. Tiny tears appear and at some point the ring breaks and the gelatinous mass flows out and presses against the nerves or the disc material can spill out. In such situation, developing and strengthening the back muscles is recommended.

THE HIP JOINT OR OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis or bone loss weakens the entire skeleton among older people but primarily affects the spine and pelvic region. This bone loss does not lead to any symptoms for a long time and is only noticed when some accident or situations related to that occur. Bone degeneration can be especially intensive in women in the first five years after menopause. In such situations, sports and a good amount of exercise to prevent painful curvatures or femoral neck fractures is recommended.

THE KNEE JOINT OR ARTHROSIS

Arhrosis is the deterioration of joints and occurs most often in the knee. Its exposure to extreme lifelong strain causes the cartilaginous buffer to become increasingly thinner, non-elastic and stiff. The surrounding tissue can also later become inflamed, leading to a rough deformation of the contact areas and reduced lubrication at the cartilage. Eventually, there is a risk of the joint becoming stiff. Being overweight is considered a high risk factor which is why doctors recommend weight loss.

Torticollis (Wryneck/Stiff Neck/Cervical Dystonia) – Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Torticollis refers to the neck in a twisted or bent position due to imbalance of neck muscles and leads to involuntary contractions of the neck muscle refers to presentation of the neck in a twisted or bent position due to non-symmetry of neck muscles leading to involuntary contractions of the neck muscle. This condition affects the neck muscles which become tender and soft. The neck gradually begins to bend to one side.
- If the condition occurs without a known cause, it is called idiopathic torticollis.
- Torticollis may develop in childhood or adulthood.
- An infant born with this condition may have limited neck movement.
- The shoulder on the affected side is usually elevated. There may be an enlargement of the neck muscle.

Congenital Causes:
This type of Neck deformity is usually due to abnormalities in the neck that are present at birth.
- Abnormal position of the head and neck of the baby, while in mother’s uterus.
- Birth injury causing damage to neck muscles, bones and nerves.
- Inadequate blood supply to the baby’s neck, while in mother’s uterus.
- Due to inheritance of a defective gene.

Acquired Causes:
This type of Neck deformity can occur overnight. It usually lasts for few days and subsides with rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Neck Injury / head trauma.
- Neck sprain.
- Tumor in the neck.
- Severe neck burns.
- Vigorous neck movement.
- Bad neck posture.
- Use of certain antipsychotic drugs, or neuroleptics.

Symptoms of Torticollis

- Neck pain
- Limited motion.
- Headache.
- Stiffness of neck muscles.
- Shoulder is high on one side.
- Swelling in neck.

Seek medical care when:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Numbness in your arms and legs
- Urinary hesitancy, urinary or fecal incontinence
- Weakness in your arms and legs
- Impaired speech
- Difficulty walking

Treatment for Torticollis
Developing a torticollis treatment plan usually starts with identifying the cause. These treatments include medication, physical devices, botulinum toxin, and surgery.
- Most people with acute torticollis are successfully treated with medication.
- Treatment of congenital torticollis involves stretching the shortened neck muscle.
- Acquired torticollis is treated by identifying the underlying cause of the disorder. Application of heat, traction to the cervical spine, and massage may help relieve head and neck pain.
- In surgery, some of the upper neck nerves are selectively severed to prevent muscle contraction.