Areas of Expertise
NECK PAIN
DEFINITION
The role of the neck is to support the head. It is comprised of seven bones (vertebrae) stacked one on top of the other. The vertebrae are linked via two facet joints, one on each side and a disc. The vertebrae are attached along with tendons. Muscles give mobilization and are imperative help to all structures of the neck.
The neck allows multi-directional movement. Neck pain causes include strains from the less than ideal posture or from sleeping in a bad position, injury, and degenerative or age-related changes, for example, arthritis (joint inflammation).
Neck pain headaches are very common and generally felt around the back of the neck and base of the skull as well as sides of the head. Neck pain relief can usually be achieved through stretches or exercises tailored for your specific source of pain. Unbearable neck pain is quite concerning and requires to be investigated by your doctor.
Neck pain especially on the left side if it is related to exercise and activity can be a sign of heart disease and warrants urgent medical review and further assessment.
SYMPTOMS:
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pain in the neck, going to the head, shoulders and/or upper chest
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neck stiffness
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difficulty turning head to sides or bending your neck
SPINAL PAIN
DEFINITION
Spinal pain in the lumbar region (lower back) and cervical region (neck) are particularly common and are also the reasons for many missed work days.
The most frequent sources of lower back pain are lumbar muscle strains and sprains.
The thoracic spine may also be a site of spinal pain, but the thoracic spinal field is much less commonly damaged than the lumbar and cervical spine because it is much more rigid.
Radiating pain generally results from pain generated and transferred along the course of a nerve. For instance if a nerve root is irritated in the lower back the pain might be felt in the legs or if a nerve root is compressed in the neck then pain might be felt in the arms. On the other side referred pain is more like a dull ache around the area where the tissues are damaged.
SYMPTOMS:
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Back pain is a symptom and can range from a dull aching sensation to a pinching or tingling sensation and may be be felt in the back only, or go to other parts including buttocks, thighs, legs and foot.
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It might be associated with a number of other symptoms including can have multiple symptoms, such as:
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Restricted motion range and inability to Restricted motion range and inability to weight bear, stand up straight or walk normally.
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The signs of back pain are typically diminish over the short period of time, if caused by distress or misuse, but can continue to last for days or weeks.
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If back pain persist for more than three months, it can be considered as chronic.
OROFACIAL PAIN
DEFINITION
Orofacial pain includes pain associated with joints, muscles and nerves anywhere in the head, neck, face, mouth, gums or teeth. Some people experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheecks or side of the head, while others have dystonias (involuntary muscle contractions), clicking when moving the jaw or locking of the jaw. One of the most common causes of orofacial pain is persisting neuropathic (nerve) pain, which can develop following surgery, dental treatment or facial surgery. It can also be caused by clenching or griding teeth, trauma to the head and neck, poor ergonomics, an underlying medical condition (such as multiple sclerosis), cancer or infection.
Ref: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/orofacial
SYMPTOMS:
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Orofacial pain includes pain associated with joints, muscles and nerves anywhere in the head, neck, face, mouth, gums or teeth. Some people experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheecks or side of the head, while others have dystonias (involuntary muscle contractions), clicking when moving the jaw or locking of the jaw. One of the most common causes of orofacial pain is persisting neuropathic (nerve) pain, which can develop following surgery, dental treatment or facial surgery. It can also be caused by clenching or griding teeth, trauma to the head and neck, poor ergonomics, an underlying medical condition (such as multiple sclerosis), cancer or infection.
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Ref: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/orofacial
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HEADACHE
DEFINITION
Migraines can be experienced from as little as once or twice a year, or as often as two or three times a week. The pain is severe, throbbing and usually on one side of the head. A migraine attack can last from four hours to three days and is associated with a spasm of the blood vessels leading to the brain. Three times as many women (15 per cent) as men (5 per cent) suffer from migraine, and scientists believe that hormones play a large role.
Ref: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/headache-migraine
SYMPTOMS:
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nausea and vomiting
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sensitivity to light
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sensitivity to sound
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affected vision, such as an aura
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sensitivity to smell and touch
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numbness of the face or extremities (hands and feet).
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Ref: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/headache-migraine
NEUROPATHIC PAIN
DEFINITION
Neuropathic (nerve) pain is caused by damage, injury or dysfunction of nerves due to trauma, surgery, disease or chemotherapy. It is described as burning, painful, cold or electric shocks and may be associated with tingling, pins and needles, numbness or itching. Neuropathic pain can be the primary symptom of a stand-alone condition, such as complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis or post herpetic neuralgia. It can also be associated with other medical conditions or other forms of pain, including pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and orofacial pain. Phantom pain following a limb amputation is also a type of neuropathic pain. Without effective treatment, neuropathic pain can lead to serious disability.
Ref: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/neuropathic
SYMPTOMS:
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Spontaneous pain (pain that comes without stimulation): Shooting, burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain; tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling
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Evoked pain: Pain brought on by normally non-painful stimuli such as cold, gentle brushing against the skin, pressure, etc. This is called allodynia. Evoked pain also may mean the increase of pain by normally painful stimuli such as pinpricks and heat. This type of pain is called hyperalgesia.
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An unpleasant, abnormal sensation whether spontaneous or evoked (dysesthesia)
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Trouble sleeping
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Emotional problems due to disturbed sleep and pain
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Pain that may be lessened in response to a normally painful stimulus (hypoalgesia)
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Ref:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15833-neuropathic-pain
DEFINITION
Neuropathic (nerve) pain is caused by damage, injury or dysfunction of nerves due to trauma, surgery, disease or chemotherapy. It is described as burning, painful, cold or electric shocks and may be associated with tingling, pins and needles, numbness or itching. Neuropathic pain can be the primary symptom of a stand-alone condition, such as complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis or post herpetic neuralgia. It can also be associated with other medical conditions or other forms of pain, including pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and orofacial pain. Phantom pain following a limb amputation is also a type of neuropathic pain. Without effective treatment, neuropathic pain can lead to serious disability.
Ref: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/neuropathic
SYMPTOMS:
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Spontaneous pain (pain that comes without stimulation): Shooting, burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain; tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling
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Evoked pain: Pain brought on by normally non-painful stimuli such as cold, gentle brushing against the skin, pressure, etc. This is called allodynia. Evoked pain also may mean the increase of pain by normally painful stimuli such as pinpricks and heat. This type of pain is called hyperalgesia.
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An unpleasant, abnormal sensation whether spontaneous or evoked (dysesthesia)
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Trouble sleeping
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Emotional problems due to disturbed sleep and pain
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Pain that may be lessened in response to a normally painful stimulus (hypoalgesia)
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Ref:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15833-neuropathic-pain
DEFINITION
Neuropathic (nerve) pain is caused by damage, injury or dysfunction of nerves due to trauma, surgery, disease or chemotherapy. It is described as burning, painful, cold or electric shocks and may be associated with tingling, pins and needles, numbness or itching. Neuropathic pain can be the primary symptom of a stand-alone condition, such as complex regional pain syndrome, multiple sclerosis or post herpetic neuralgia. It can also be associated with other medical conditions or other forms of pain, including pelvic pain, fibromyalgia and orofacial pain. Phantom pain following a limb amputation is also a type of neuropathic pain. Without effective treatment, neuropathic pain can lead to serious disability.
Ref: https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/neuropathic
SYMPTOMS:
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Spontaneous pain (pain that comes without stimulation): Shooting, burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain; tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling
-
Evoked pain: Pain brought on by normally non-painful stimuli such as cold, gentle brushing against the skin, pressure, etc. This is called allodynia. Evoked pain also may mean the increase of pain by normally painful stimuli such as pinpricks and heat. This type of pain is called hyperalgesia.
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An unpleasant, abnormal sensation whether spontaneous or evoked (dysesthesia)
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Trouble sleeping
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Emotional problems due to disturbed sleep and pain
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Pain that may be lessened in response to a normally painful stimulus (hypoalgesia)
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Ref:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15833-neuropathic-pain
COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME
DEFINITION
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition of a person’s arm, hand, leg or foot, which occurs after an injury, such as a fracture.
SYMPTOMS:
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burning pain in the arm, hand, leg or foot
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pain that changes in intensity, but often feels much worse than may be expected
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loss of fine motor control
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tremors or spasms
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stiffness
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changes to the skin, hair and nails on the affected limb
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the affected limb is warmer or colder than the unaffected limb
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the affected limb is sweatier or drier than the unaffected limb.
OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN
ARM AND SHOULDER PAIN
DEFINITION
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects joints of the body. It causes structural changes within a joint or multiple joints, resulting in pain and loss of function. Osteoarthritis is associated with a number of factors, including genetic, mechanical, hormonal and inflammatory factors.
SYMPTOMS:
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stiffness
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pain associated with movement
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joint swelling
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muscle weakness
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joint instability
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reduced range of movement
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sounds within the joints.
DEFINITION
There are many causes of shoulder pain and not all of these are due to problems of the shoulder joints or associated structures.
SYMPTOMS:
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Depending on the condition, there may be a sensation of the joint slipping out and back in to the joint socket, or the shoulder can become completely dislodged (dislocated). Some people may experience sensations of pins and needles (tingling) and burning pain. This is more likely to be associated with nerves from the neck than the shoulder joint itself.
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Lack of movement after a shoulder dislocation is usually due to pain. Complete rotator cuff tears and injury to the auxillary nerve both cause weakness in moving the arm away from the body. These problems require close clinical examination.