Back and Neckache Flashcards
Where ways can pain occur?
local
referred
nerve root pain
How does nerve root pain occur?
Compression of an exiting nerve root by an intervertebral disc
What is spondylosis?
degeneration of the intervertebral discs causing increased loading of the facet joints which then develop secondary arthritis
What joints are involved in primary osteoarthritis of the spine?
facet joints
How is mechanical back pain treated?
physiotherapy orthopaedic doctors osteopaths chiropractors it will get better with time
What is spondylolisthesis?
the slippage of one vertebra relative to the one below it - commonly seen in the lumbar spine.
caused by a bony abnormality which interferes with the stability of the facet joints and their bony and ligamentous elements
What is the most common cause of spondylolisthesis?
a fatigue fracture of the pars interarticularis
How is a diagnosis of spondylolisthesis made
x-ray
slippage step may be felt on examination
How is spondylolisthesis managed?
a spinal corset may help relieve pain
surgery to fuse vertebra if extreme pain
What is a pars interarticularis fracture without forward slippage called?
spondylolysis
Common symptoms of disc prolapse?
backache
legache
how do people present with disc prolapse?
may describe a singe event like lifting or straining and then back/leg pain.
What is commonly seen in disc prolapse pain?
pain passing down the back of the thigh and leg to the foot. referred back pain doesn’t go as far.
what area of the disc prolapses?
the nucleus pulposus burst through the annulus fibrosis
How is disc prolapse managed?
most will resolve on their own as disk material is reabsorbed.
if pain persists or signs become more severe then surgery is required.
what is myelography?
injecting radio-opaque dye around the spinal cord to locate the site of a prolapse - produces a myelogram
What causes bony root entrapment?
bony overgrowth around the vertebral foramina where the nerve roots emerge due to facet joint degeneration. Not caused by prolapse!
How is bony root entrapment treated?
removal of the bony spur causing the compression. Fusion may be required if instability is created.
What is cervical spondylosis?
Degeneration of the intervertebral discs of the cervical spine causing osteoarthritis
