Diagnosis and Management of Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders are conditions that affect the bones, spine, joints, and muscles; they include osteoporosis, gout, osteoarthritis, and neck and back pain. These conditions are among the leading causes of pain and disability. They contribute to less production at work due to the absenteeism of patients.
The assessment depends on the symptoms that the patient is exhibiting. The health provider begins with conducting a physical examination and assessing the medical history of the patient. It aids in knowing the location, nature, or extent of the condition. Doctors diagnose musculoskeletal disorders in different ways. Mostly they begin with an X-ray before proceeding to other diagnostic tests such as bone scanning and ultrasonography.
Other ways of conducting diagnostic tests include; computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Early diagnosis is essential in the treatment and control of musculoskeletal diseases. The treatment focuses on relieving pain and preventing lameness. Doctors provide interventions such as injecting patients with anti-inflammatory medication, acupressure, and biofeedback techniques. They also use physical and occupational therapy and encourage patients to engage in exercises such as aerobics to enable stretching and muscle strengthening.
Neurologic disorders
Neurologic disorders are conditions that affect the brain and the nervous system. They include diseases such as epilepsy, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Neurological disorders can be frightening; early diagnosis is essential in the management of these conditions. Various tests help in diagnosing neurological conditions. They include; arteriograms that enable clear viewership of the arteries and veins in the brains. They make it possible to identify blockages, malfunctions, and any leakages of the blood vessels in the brain.
Computed tomography or CT scans make it possible to view the brain and the surrounding. Electroencephalograms diagnose conditions such as epilepsy. They record electrical activity on the mind. Magnetic resonance imaging makes it possible to view organs of the body, including the brain. A radiographer decides on which tests to conduct, depending on the symptoms.
There are different ways to manage neurological conditions. Medications such as neuroleptics treat diseases such as schizophrenia. Others like ibuprofen relieve pain. Physiotherapy and some medications aim at restoring brain functions. Lifestyle changes or rehabilitation may be necessary to reduce the effect of the condition. Cognitive therapy treatments are effective in managing disorders such as psychogenic impairments and anxiety. Since some neurological disorders affect thinking, cognitive therapy aims at changing behaviors and thinking through talks.
References
Bradley, Walter George, ed. Neurology in clinical practice: principles of diagnosis and management. Vol. 1. Taylor & Francis, 2004.
Ellrodt, AY Gray, et al. “An evidence-based medicine approach to the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal complaints.” The American journal of medicine 103.6 (1997): S3-S6.
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