How Has Your Life Been Affected?
Take a look at how your cervical spine problem has affected your life by answering the following questions. This self-assessment may help you decide if the benefits of treating your neck problem outweigh the risks and inconvenience of surgery.
Physical Effects
- Do you miss work because of your pain?
- Does your neck pain shoot down your arm?
- Does your arm or hand feel numb or weak?
- Do you have headaches, or pain between your shoulder blades?
Social Effects
- Are you unable to join in family activities because of your pain?
- Does your pain force you to spend time alone, away from family and friends?
- When you are with other people, do you find yourself distracted by your discomfort and unable to enjoy yourself?
Emotional Effects
- Does your pain make you feel frustrated or depressed?
- Are you afraid of losing your job due to too much time off?
- Do you ever feel that other people think your pain isn't real?
- Do you feel that you have no control over your life?
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