Neck pain following motor vehicle accidents is probably the most misunderstood condition I see in my spine clinic. Patients are often given a label of “soft tissue injury” or “mechanical neck pain” or “neck strain”. While these diagnoses are not completely incorrect, in my opinion, they are out-dated and imprecise. With a proper assessment and investigation the exact diagnosis may be isolated in 80% of cases. The final diagnosis if most often attributed to a single spine structure (facet joint, disc, nerve root, etc.). Once a proper diagnosis is made, there is a much greater understanding of the patient’s prognosis. Not only that, but the treatment may now be directed at a precise target. Essentially, the spine specialist may use a “sniper’s rifle” rather than a “shotgun blast” to treat the injured spine structure. This greatly improves the odds of successful treatment of the neck pain.
Tags: cervical spine, headache, motor vehicle accident, MVA, neck, Neck Pain, shoulder blade, whiplash
February 3, 2011 at 1:21 am |
Excellent post. I want to thank you for this informative read, I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your work. Loveland CO Chiropractor Loveland CO Chiropractic