Neck Archives - AM Healthcare Group

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Neck

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:54:33 +0000

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Neck?

Rheumatoid Arthritis a chronic (long term), progressive auto-immune disease (a disease whereby the body’s cells are attacked by its own immune system causing damage). It causes swelling and damage to cartilage and bone around joints. In the neck this can also lead to a condition known as spondylolysthesis (the movement forwards of one vertebral body (spinal bone) on the one below). The exact cause(s) of RA are not yet fully understood. Osteoarthritis may also be present in conjunction with RA.

Symptoms

Neck RA can lead to pain at the base of the skull, also blackouts associated with certain movements. There may be changes in the sensation to arm(s), usually a tingling feeling.

Treatments

The effects of RA cannot be reversed but the aim of orthotic intervention is to maintain a more neutral head position and reduce ill advised movements of the head. This is achieved using:

• Soft Cervical Collar

• Rigid Cervical Collar

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Hyper Kyphosis

markt — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 13:33:16 +0000

What is Hyper Kyphosis?

It can be classified as postural or structural. Postural kyphosis can be caused by slouching and also by vertebral fractures. It is more commonly associated with older people, especially due to osteoporosis. Structural kyphosis is due to abnormality of the spinal structures such as vertebrae (bones of the spine), ligaments, nerve, intervertebral disc, or even muscles. The most common types are Scheuerman’s kyphosis, Congenital Kyphosis and Gibbus deformity.

Symptoms

Patient’s curvature at the upper section of the spine is exaggerated creating a “hunchback” or bowing deformity. The deformity can be very painful and cause breathing difficulties

Treatments

A Thoraco Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) is used to encourage an improved posture of the lower spine and provide a corrective 3 point pressure system to correct or reduce the kyphosis.

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Osteoarthritis – Neck

markt — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 10:44:53 +0000

What is Neck Osteoarthritis?

The exact cause is not known but there is a strong genetic component to this disorder as 96% of sufferers share the same gene. It is a type of chronic (long term) inflammatory arthritis with an overactive immune response (the body’s response to the production of an antigen – a substance which produces antibodies to fight infections). It mainly affects the back but also the sacrum and pelvis area and it causes it to fuse and become rigid.

Symptoms

Affecting men more than women, symptoms include chronic (long term) low back pain and stiffness, especially in young males aged 20-40. The pain tends to be worse at night and eases with activity.

Treatments

The use of a Thoraco Lumbar Sacral Orthosis is recommended to prevent curvature or spinal deformities and to reduce severe pain. These braces may also be used for short periods of time when vertebral fractures occur.

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