You will perform a history of a nose, mouth, throat, or neck problem that your instructor has provided you or one that you have experienced, and you will perform an assessment including nose, mouth, throat, and neck. You will document your subjective and objective findings, identify actual or potential risks, and submit this in a Word document to the drop box provided. Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the for specific due dates.
Title: A Comprehensive Assessment of Neck Problems: A Case Study
Introduction:
Neck problems encompass a wide range of conditions that can have significant impact on an individual’s overall health and well-being. This assignment aims to perform a detailed history and assessment of a specific neck problem with a focus on the subjective and objective findings. Additionally, it will include the identification of actual or potential risks associated with the condition. Specifically, this paper will explore cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) as the chosen neck problem.
History of Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease:
Cervical spine degenerative disc disease is a common age-related condition characterized by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs in the neck region. It occurs primarily due to the natural aging process, but other factors such as repetitive use, trauma, and genetic predisposition may contribute to its development. Symptoms typically include neck pain, radiating arm pain, stiffness, numbness, and weakness, often accompanied by a limited range of motion in the neck.
Subjective Assessment:
During the subjective assessment, the patient’s perspective and description of symptoms are recorded. This provides valuable information about the severity, duration, and impact of the neck problem on their daily life. The subjective assessment can be divided into appropriate sections covering the onset, location, duration, aggravating and alleviating factors, associated symptoms, and previous treatments.
1. Onset: Determine when the neck problem first started, and if there were any specific triggers or events that may have contributed to its onset. In the case of cervical spine DDD, the patient may recall the gradual onset of neck pain and stiffness without a specific triggering event.
2. Location: Identify the exact location of the neck pain. In cervical spine DDD, the pain is typically localized to the neck and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, or upper back.
3. Duration: Assess how long the neck problem has persisted and whether it has been constant or intermittent. Cervical spine DDD is a chronic condition that usually progresses over time, causing intermittent symptoms that can last for weeks or even months.
4. Aggravating and Alleviating Factors: Identify any activities or positions that worsen or relieve the symptoms. Patients with cervical spine DDD may experience increased pain with neck movements, prolonged sitting, or repetitive tasks. Rest may temporarily alleviate symptoms.
5. Associated Symptoms: Inquire about any other symptoms that accompany the neck problem. Patients suffering from cervical spine DDD may report numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, as well as headaches and muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder region.
6. Previous Treatments: Gather information on any previous interventions or treatments the patient has received for the neck problem. This may include medication, physical therapy, chiropractic care, or surgical interventions. It is important to ascertain the patient’s response to these interventions to determine their effectiveness.
Objective Assessment:
The objective assessment involves a thorough examination of the neck, which includes visual inspection, palpation, range of motion (ROM) assessment, and neurological examination. It allows for the identification of physical signs and abnormalities associated with the neck problem.
1. Visual Inspection: Observe the patient’s neck for any visible deformities, asymmetry, or swelling. Look for muscle atrophy, joint deformities, or signs of inflammation. In cervical spine DDD, there might be a loss of natural cervical lordosis and a forward head posture.
2. Palpation: Palpate the neck to assess for tenderness, muscle tone, and the presence of any palpable abnormalities such as enlarged lymph nodes or masses. Determine if there are any trigger points that elicit pain or discomfort upon touch.
3. Range of Motion (ROM) Assessment: Evaluate the patient’s ability to move their neck in all directions, including flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation. Note any restriction of movement, pain, or crepitus that may indicate degenerative changes.
4. Neurological Examination: Assess various neurological functions such as strength, sensation, and reflexes in the upper extremities. Test for the presence of muscle weakness, paresthesia, decreased sensation, or abnormal reflexes that may be related to cervical spine DDD.
Identification of Actual or Potential Risks:
Based on the subjective and objective findings, actual or potential risks associated with the neck problem can be identified. For cervical spine DDD, potential risks may include worsening degeneration leading to spinal cord compression or nerve root impingement, progressive loss of range of motion, persistent pain interfering with daily activities, and the possibility of requiring surgical intervention.
Conclusion:
A comprehensive history and assessment of a specific neck problem, such as cervical spine DDD, is crucial in understanding the patient’s condition, identifying associated risks, and tailoring appropriate interventions. By considering the subjective and objective findings, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions regarding the management and treatment options for individuals with neck problems.