Pain (Neck Pain, Back Pain & Neuralgia)
Symptoms of Pain (Neck Pain, Back Pain, Neuralgia)
Pain can vary enormously from a mild ache to an intensity that is so
severe that a patient cannot concentrate or function without some form
of relief.
Some pains are made worse by movement, others are worse at rest. The
quality of the pain can vary from aching through stabbing, shooting,
squeezing, throbbing to burning or any other variety of altered sensation.
Other factors which may affect the pain include the weather, side effects
of medication or any emotional or family issues which are unresolved.
The type and severity of the pain may be related to the underlying disease
process and treatment may be for symptomatic relief or curative.
Diagnosis of Pain (Neck Pain, Back Pain & Neuralgia)
Diagnosis is based on the patient’s symptoms,
a full examination and tests related to the mechanical nature of the
pain or the underlying disease process. Blood tests may identify types
of arthritis, causes of inflammation or other serious conditions. X-rays
are often unhelpful, except in long-standing disease. Scans such as
MRI, CAT, or ultrasound are very effective at diagnosing structural
problems and can identify ‘slipped’ discs or tumours.
In The Centre we use a machine of Japanese origin which gives a picture
of energy imbalance and can help identify structural abnormalities by
measuring acupuncture points (the ‘AMI’). This is an additional
test which can help decide on the most appropriate form of treatment.
