|
History taking is the first step in diagnosing the cervical spine. Because
chiropractors so often treat conditions that are "functional" in nature -- that
is conditions in which there are not a frank medical disease, and in which signs
and symptoms are often important clues to diagnosis -- chiropractors emphasize
in-depth history taking.
Initially the chiropractor will want to know if there has been an accident
or injury. A patient who has sustained a neck fracture will present with an
abnormally stiff and painful neck. The chiropractor will want to know if there
has been trauma to the neck from a fall or other traumatic incident. If there
is suspicion of a neck fracture from such an incident, or secondary to an organic
disease, the chiropractor will call for a spinal x-ray or imaging study prior
to any further examination of the neck.
Chiropractic patient history taking is the same as in a typical medical office
with some important differences. The "what, when, and how" of an injury, and
the location and nature of the neck pain is supplemented with information on
possible episodes of middle and lower back pain, as well as muscle and extremity
joint pain. Even when neck pain is the primary presenting complaint, chiropractic
always considers the whole spine, of which the neck is one part of an integrated
biomechanical system.
Chiropractic views mechanical problems, such as neck pain or extremity injuries
to the knee or the shoulder, in the context of the whole body, and the "whole
person". All presenting complaints are seen in the context of the totality of
work, family, habits, diet, exercise, and most importantly -- the life stresses
that may be impacting the patient.
In diagnosing neck pain, the chiropractor will want to know if there has been
shoulder or arm pain accompanying the neck symptoms and whether there has been
numbness or loss of strength in the arms. Whether headaches accompany the neck
pain or there has been a sudden onset of a severe headache, are important issues
discussed during the chiropractic interview.
Continue this article...
|
