Explaining the Pain of Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Neck pain often results from degenerative changes that occur in the discs of the cervical spine. Spine specialists see patients with these problems most every day.Cervical spinal stenosis, the most serious of these neck-related issues, occurs due to degeneration of the spinal segment in the cervical spine. It’s painful and patients with this problem are seeking relief that will allow them to proceed with their everyday lives.
How is cervical spinal stenosis diagnosed? As with most spine disorders, the treating physician will most likely first take a complete medical history of the patient, asking questions such as:
- When did the pain begin?
- Does it radiate down your arms and/or legs?
- Have you had a neck injury or surgery?
Of course, another part of the process is a complete physical examination, where more questions will be asked and movement will be measured. Diagnostic x-rays of the cervical spine will most likely be ordered and completed. These pictures can provide an idea of how much degeneration has occurred. An MRI may be ordered as well as it can show abnormal areas of soft tissue around the spine.
Now, think about your patient during this diagnostic process. He or she is probably upset, anxious, fearing the worst. It’s your job to put that patient at ease from the minute they walk into your office until the moment they leave. To do that, you must take the time to talk and to educate. Education doesn’t have to wait until after the diagnosis. If you suspect a cervical spine program, you can start the education immediately.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis Model
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A good place to start is with a simple explanation of how the spine works and perhaps the “wear and tear” process that is associated with disc degeneration. If you do this using a model such as Dynamic Disc Designs’ (ddd) Professional or Academic LxH models, your patient will understand from the start how their discs have changed through aging and now they become less spongy and unable to function as a shock absorber.
From the start, your patient will know what it is you’re looking for on the x-rays or MRI and can erase fears associated with issues such as tumors and other problems. Explaining the workings of the spine and your theories in regards to their pain allows you to calm a patient’s nerves and gives them confidence that your knowledge of spinal stenosis and other spine problems is vast.
Finally, as you offer options for treatment, you can use the detailed, fully-movable models from Dynamic Disc Designs to help the patient understand the procedures you suggest, including surgery, which is often the solution for those with cervical spinal stenosis that has resulted in cervical myelopathy. With a ddd model, you can allow your patient to hold the spine in his/her hands as you explain its parts, its movement, and its shortcomings as one ages. After such a detailed visual explanation, the patient generally feels more comfortable with the outcome and is more likely to continue treatment with you or your staff.
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