Related Experiment Videos
Neck pain in the elderly: common causes and management.
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento.
Geriatrics
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Neck pain is a frequent issue for seniors. This guide details cervical spine anatomy, common conditions like arthritis and disc disorders, and diagnostic approaches for effective primary care management.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Neurology
Background:
- Neck pain is highly prevalent in the elderly population.
- Understanding cervical spine anatomy and pathology is crucial for diagnosis.
- Differentiating intrinsic and extrinsic causes guides treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the anatomy and common pathological conditions of the cervical spine in the elderly.
- To present a diagnostic approach for neck pain in this demographic.
- To provide guidance on management and specialist referral.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant anatomy and pathology of the cervical spine.
- Categorization of intrinsic causes (vertebral column, musculature, spinal cord) and extrinsic causes.
- Discussion of diagnostic strategies and primary care management.
Main Results:
- Identified intrinsic causes include arthritis, discogenic disorders, trauma, tumors, infection, myofascial pain syndrome, torticollis, and whiplash.
- Extrinsic causes are also considered for differential diagnosis.
- Many common neck pain issues are treatable at the primary care level.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach to diagnosing elderly neck pain is essential.
- Effective management strategies exist within primary care for many conditions.
- Clear guidelines for specialist referral are provided to optimize patient outcomes.