"I Just Had A Neck X-Ray..."

"My neck x-ray show a lot of degeneration, what does this mean? Oh yeah, the report also says loss of cervical lordosis and decreased neural foraminal spaces at a few levels, what's that?" OK, we've got some degeneration, or arthritis. The term spondylosis may also be used; all meaning the same thing.

First, if we lost the normal curvature in the neck, we're going to have pressure on nerves. If we get this, we may have pain, we may not. But things will break down faster. Hence degeneration or arthritis. This breakdown may also cause disc bulging. So now we have arthritic bones, discs bulging, and guess what? - Inflammation! All of these thing can contribute to stiffness, pain, maybe numbness and tingling...But also contribute to those holes on the sides of the spine, where nerves come out, to get clogged up. "Ah ha, that's the neural foraminal stenosis they refer to. Yes, the foramen, or nerve holes are stenosed or closed up.

What we need to do is relax the area, taking down inflammation and start working that curvature back in the neck.

Additional Reading Resources:

• How the Arc4life Cervical Traction Neck Pillow Helps with Degeneration & Arthritis in the Neck
• Choose the Best Neck Pillow for Arthritis in the Neck
• Poor Neck Posture Puts Pressure on the Discs
• Straight Neck Issues: What Exercises Can I Do?
• An Acupuncture Point for Neck Pain: Bladder 12

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Why Didn’t my Doctor tell me my Neck has no Curve

At this point I’ve seen numerous patients who had neck s-rays requested by their MD. They were sent to the radiology center or the imaging floor of the hospital.

What typically takes place is the films are taken and a radiologist reads them. The doctor then looks at his report and makes his diagnosis. At the hospital they are mainly looking for major, life-threatening findings: fractures, cancer, etc … When spinal shifts are spotted they are often neglected or sometimes overlooked.

More and more nowadays radiologists and MD’s have learned the importance and significance of spinal misalignments. However, I still find that many patients are not being made aware of these findings and told everything looks ok.

Spinal misalignments are significant! Especially a complete loss of your neck curvature or a reversal of the curvature. However, chiropractor, physical therapist, or physiatrist can often even detect possible alignment issues through posture analysis, ranges of motion, or palpation.

Keep in mind that your MD doesn’t actually read your x-rays, he’s got many other things to do, and doesn’t have the time. The radiologist reads the x-rays and will send the report to your MD. So there often can be some subjectivity when the pictures are read as well as the report. Also, when I say your MD I’m referring to your primary care doctor. Radiologists are MD’s too, and if your doctor is a specialist; orthopedist, neurologist, or D.C. for example, they often read the images themselves as well.

In conclusion, take charge of your own health. Spinal shifts are not normal and you shouldn’t be told everything’s fine when there are significant abnormalities. An inadequate or abnormal neck curve is a big one, and shouldn’t be discounted anyway.

Happy New Year Everyone! Wishing everyone a Happy, Prosperous and Healthy 2010 ! - NJ

Additional Reading Resources:

• The Normal Cervical Curve in the Neck
  
  
• Neck Pain resulting from a C5, C6, C7, or C8 Radiculopathy
  
  
• Which Neck Pillow is Right for My Needs?
  
  
• Dr. Bellingers’ Neck Pain Relief Kit
  
  
  
• Proven Neck Pain Cure that Works Wonders- without surgery or drugs
  
  
  
  Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.
  
  
  Bookmark this on Delicious
  
  Stumble It!