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4#
The Spinal Cord
If all the movement of the neck were to produce some damage to cord because
there are spondylotic changes; then over a period of time, the spinal cord
would get permanently damaged. In the beginning some pressure is thrust on
the cord only during movements of flexion and extension. It is intermittent
and does not cause significant damage. Later on, when spurs form, more
constant damage is produced. Over a period of next few years, gradual but
persistent damage to the cord starts producing paralysis in the legs or
weakness in the arm. Part of the neurological deficit then remains
permanently even after a successful operation.
5# Pain or
Pressure or Tenderness
Whenever there is
pain somewhere in the body, we usually try to point it with one finger
pressed against the area which cause the maximum pain. However when this
analogy is applied to the neck its is slightly different. If there is
disorder of the movement or the movement is abnormal, the whole spine is
affected. A pressure anywhere on the spine posteriorly will produce pain. We
cannot then conclude that only the part under the pressed finger is
pathological. In fact pathology could be anywhere, either in the posterior
joint or in the intervertebral disc. From tender spot, its is impossible to
locate the disease in the spine and we have to largely depend on the X-ray
to evaluate the exact location and extent of the disease.
6# Noises in
the spine
Noises in the
joints are common phenomena. For some, it is tick. For some, it is a
pleasure. many people prone to nervous disposition bend their fingers and
produce noises. Some people turn their neck ti one side and produce a click.
Such noises or clicks or sound in the cervical-spine get some of the
patients extremely worried. They demonstrate such noises to the doctor in
his consulting room. These sounds can be described as cracking, snapping or
grinding noises. They may originate in an abnormal looking neck or they may
be present without any abnormality in the joints. Many times they are
produced after minor trauma to the neck and become a source of constant
worry. Where does the noise come from? It is difficult to say. Evidence
suggests that such noises are an expression of vacuum phenomenon in the
joint. A thorough examination is necessary but if the examination does
indicate any abnormality, noises by themselves are harmless and the doctor’s
reassurance is sufficient to satisfy the patient. Noises by themselves are
not significant as indicators of disease.
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