Generalities
Pain in the cervical segment of the spine due to static or degenerative disorders. Like in the lumbar region, there are numerous structures that can suffer. In the cervical region, the incus is an additional element.
Symptoms
- Acute cervical pain with torticollis:
More or less marked antalgic posture with lateral flexion, rotation to the opposite side, and slight flexion or extension; severe pain with any active movement, especially in the direction of correcting the deformity.
- Acute cervical pain without torticollis:
These are low cervical pains that spread to the dorsal and scapular region; no antalgic posture, rather moderate segmental stiffness, increased pain with active neck movement.
- Chronic forms:
Median cervico-dorsal pain radiating towards the shoulder blades or asymmetric cervico-occipital pain, radiating towards the scalp. Pain at the end of the range of active moderate movement; pain when falling asleep that disappears as soon as a comfortable position is found on the pillow.
Diagnosis
Physiotherapy diagnosis includes an interview, static examination, sectorial mobility examination, and palpation examination.
X-ray examination, on the other hand, gives us the location of static defects, at the level of curvatures or at the level of the relationship of one vertebra to another, as well as the extent of arthritic phenomena.
Treatment
Goal: pain relief, recovery of neck mobility, postural education, reharmonization of cervical spine usage.
Physiotherapy methods and techniques:
- Electrotherapy:
Low and medium frequency analgesic currents are to be used on painful muscle contractures of the superficial muscle layer, particularly on the upper bundle of the trapezius and at the level of the supra and subscapular fossae.
- Ultrasound:
Ultrasound gives interesting results on muscle insertion or full muscle body pains, due to their deep thermal effect.
- Thermotherapy:
Most cervical pains, particularly cervicoarthrosis, are relieved by heat, infrared, paraffin, warm cloth wraps.
- Release and mobilization techniques:
Mobility is a fundamental property of the cervical spine; it is almost exclusively at the service of sight and balance. The neck has two functional levels whose coordination must be as good as possible.
- Muscle re-education:
– Neck in active axial stretching (double chin.)
Cervical stimulation by energy overflow; remote work.
Brief isometric contractions of different muscle planes against manual resistance or self-resistance (using a towel.)
Prevention
Cervical economy tips.
- Adjust the height of the work surface to avoid prolonged head-tilted-forward positions as much as possible.
- Use headrests in the car at the correct height, ensure the correct position of the rearview mirror.
- Use a lumbar roll to ensure good lumbar posture, which will automatically give good cervical posture.
– During reading, prop up your book; for writing, take support with your arm.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation achieves its goal if, while restoring painless and normal function, it helps the patient take charge of themselves in the field of prevention and daily maintenance. This is only possible if the educational role of the physiotherapist or physical rehabilitation therapist has been properly fulfilled.
For more information click here to watch a video on cervical pain
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