Back pain

Question 1

What are red flags in the history?

Answer 1

non mechanical pain, systemic upset, neurological deficit, saddle anaesthesia/bladder/bowel upset, history of cancer, pain longer than 6 weeks

Question 2

What are the various myotomes

Answer 2

L1/2- hip flexion L3/4 knee extension L5 foot dorsiflexion S1/2 ankle plantar flexion

Question 3

What are specialised investigations for back pain

Answer 3

MRI, CT, facet injection, discography, selective nerve block and ablation

Question 4

What is sciatica

Answer 4

pain in butt or leg not obviously coming from hip/knee or ankle

Question 5

What are common presentations with disc prolapse

Answer 5

back pain, leg pain +- neurology

Question 6

Is disc prolapse an emergency?

Answer 6

no, but caudal equina is

Question 7

What is the treatment for backache

Answer 7

bed rest, anti inflammatory, mobilise, physical activites

Question 8

What ar back pain emergenceis

Answer 8

cauda equina, fracture with deteriorating neurology

Question 9

What must x rays show in cervical spine

Answer 9

C7/T1

Question 10

What is a central cord injury

Answer 10

hyperextension injury most likely

Question 11

What is the prognosis for anterior cord

Answer 11

bad- motor loss, loss of pain and temperature