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What does the condition feel like?
The most common complaint in patients is a dull ache or
sharp pain in the neck. In some patients this pain can radi-
ate, or spread, into the shoulder, arms, hands, or fingertips.
Pain is usually worse with standing, walking, exercise, or
overhead activities. Neck pain can also be worsened with
bending the neck forwards, backwards, or twisting the
head from side to side. In the early stages of this condition
pain may be eased by rest, anti inflammatories, or wearing
a brace. After this condition has been around for several
months no positions completely relieve the pain.
Why do I have Arm pain?
Nerve pressure can feel like a pain that starts in the neck,
runs down the back, between the shoulder blades and
between the scapula. This pain can then spread along the
arm, forearm, and into the hands and fingertips. The pain
can be sharp or be a numbness or tingling sensation. In fact
some people develop weakness in their arms or hands, and
find they are dropping items.
How does it happen?
Neck pain may arise due to the discs degenerating, muscu-
lar tightness in both the neck and upper back, or pinching of
the nerves as they exit the cervical vertebrae.
A disc herniates when its jellylike center pushes against its
outer ring. If the outer ring is worn or injured the jellylike
center may squeeze all the way through. When the herni-
ated disc bulges out toward the spinal canal, it puts pressure
on the sensitive spinal nerves nearby, causing pain.
Diagnosis.
Diagnosis begins with a com-
plete history and physical exam
by Dr Pazmiño. He will need
to know specifically where the
pain spreads and what type of
pain you are feeling.
Dr Pazmiño will order and per-
sonally review Xrays and MRIs
with you. Dr Pazmiño was a
third grade homeroom teacher
prior to becoming a physician
and he truly enjoys educating
his patients. He will review
your studies and your condi-
tion until you feel comfortable
with them. All questions will be
answered in detail.
How is it treated?
Some people get relief from symptoms without
surgery.
Rest, cold and heat.
Dr Pazmiño may prescribe a short
period of rest or a muscle relaxant.
In certain cases Dr.
Pazmino may recommend cold compresses or ice which
can be applied several times a day for pain relief. After
spasms settle, Dr Pazmiño may recommend gentle heat in
some instances to relieve further symptoms.
Physical therapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic pro-
grams.
In certain situations Dr Pazmiño may recommend
a course of physical therapy. He may design a custom
tailored course of exercises which can strengthen your cer-
vical neck and shoulder muscles. Dr Pazmiño may recom-
mend a particular physical therapist,acupuncturist, reflex-
ologist, or chiropractor who can then apply traction which
helps relieve pain for certain herniations, or subluxations..
If your symptoms persist Dr. Pazmiño may request
further imaging , procedures, and possibly surgery.
Epidural steroid injection.
Dr Pazmiño may
recommend an epidural where steroids are injected near
the nerves of your neck or back to reduce local
inflammation. In certain cases these are very effective in
relieving symptoms.
Cervical Decompression.
This is the most common proce-
dure for disc pathology. Decompression involves removing
all parts of the anatomy which are placing pressure on the
nearby neural elements. The excess bone spurs,thickened
ligaments, and disc herniations are removed. This removes
all pressure on the spinal nerves. Next the space left over
is either filled with an artificial disc replacement or fused.
Both procedures have provided excellent results in patients
with intractable pain. Dr Pazmiño has presented his out-
comes at both national and international conferences. For
more information and to view these presentations please
visit our website
www. spinecal .com.
How does Dr. Pazmiño diagnosis this?