What is Cervical Spondylosis? (Image credits) Cervical spondylosis is a general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal discs in your neck. As the spinal discs dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, including the growth of bone spurs. In simple terms, it is degeneration of the spine. Cervical spondylosis is very common and worsens with age. More than 65 percent of people older than age 60 are affected by cervical spondylosis. Most people experi

Purpose: To predict neck pain patients that are likely to improve with cervical traction and exercise. Rule: Age > 55 Positive shoulder abduction test Positive upper limb tension test A Symptom peripheralisation with central posterior–anterior motion testing at lower cervical (C4–7) spine Positive neck distraction test Interpretation: Treatment given: 2-3 times a week for 3 weeks Traction Angle of pull: 24 degrees if patient had full Cx flexion; otherwise it was set at 15 deg

The Canadian C-spine Rule (CCR) was developed to help clinicians determine which trauma patients need c-spine imaging. It is highly sensitive for CSI (cervical spine injury), with the majority of studies finding it catches 99-100% of these types of injuries. CCR would allow healthcare providers to safely decrease the need for imaging among this patient population by over 40%. Subsequent studies have found a sensitivity of 90-100% for CSI with majority finding 99-100% sensitiv

These are a few things I would do when my patients visit me with LBP. Pain History Where the pain was, what type of pain it was, any pins and needles (P+N), any numbness (N), intermittent/constant and the VAS. Aggravating factors: Sitting, standing, driving, sports etc Relieving factors: Meds, massage, rest etc 24 hours pattern: Better, same or worse Interpretation: Area = Reinforces my hypothesis of what needs to be treated Dull ache = Muscular related Sharp or shooting = Ne

Nerve Mobilisation I often promote mobility of the nerves when an individual presents with pins and needles, numbness or tightness around a particular joint. There are two ways to mobilise the nerve: Tensioners or Sliders Tensioners Biasing a nerve at its highest tension point and then start mobilisation. For example, to bias the ulnar nerve, you would side bend the neck to the contralateral side, depress the ipsilateral Sh., Sh. ABD to 90degs, full Sh. ER, full Elb Flex wit