Arthritis is an issue for many people, and we see it here in our clinic often. Neck pain in Springfield is becoming more common and some worry if it could actually be arthritis. There are some varying kinds of arthritis, a common one being osteoarthritis (oa), also known as degenerative joint disease (djd). Osteoarthritis wears and tears, which means the smooth, shiny cartilage covering the joints that allows for a gliding surface is worn away. This will cause for pain, swelling, loss of motion, and spurs that obstruct movement. The arthritis foundation says that oa/djd affects 27 million Americans, and is most commonly seen in the knees, hips, low back, neck, small joints of the fingers, and base of the thumb and big toe.
Researchers looked at cervical x-rays and detached spondylosis and at the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, that rest between the vertebrae of the spine in 60 percent of non symptomatic people over 40 and in 95 percent of men and 70 percent of women over the age of 60. Cervical spine mris of those without the neck pain frequently showed a disc bulge or herniation. According to the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 30 percent of people who have never had neck or back pain test positive for a herniated disc, and 50 percent will have bulging discs on a ct or mri.
People wonder if you have neck pain and your doctor looks at images that show arthritis or a disc problem, how do you know if djd is the problem? This answer varies on the person.
Although it can be annoying, it can be challenging to determine what is generating a patient’s pain. This is the reason that the patient has to be looked at carefully to see where the root of the problem is coming from. Doctors of chiropractic, like us here helping neck pain in Springfield, will come at the problem with these therapies: joint manipulation; mobilization; massage; trigger point therapy; exercise training; activity modifications; self-management strategies, such as traction; the use of specially designed pillows; modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser therapy; and nutritional counseling to reduce inflammatory markers.
In pain? Want a tune up? Call us today (908) 325 – 3000. We can treat and help you.
