Back Pain Flashcards
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Spinal arthritis»_space; stiffness.
-often young men
What is the most mobile region of the spine?
Cervical region.
-has relatively thick discs
Which is the least mobile region of the spine?
Thoracic region.
-ribs inhibit movement
When in the day are intervertebral disc most swollen with water?
In the morning.
When in the day are intervertebral discs most prone to injury?
In the morning.
-more swollen with water, so resist bending
What happens to intervertebral discs with age?
They lose water & strength, and become thinner.
What are osteophytes?
Bony projections that form to try to stabilise the spine.
What are the classifications of low back pain? (3)
- Simple backache
- Nerve root involvement
- Serious spinal pathology
What is a classic history of simple back pain?
- 1st episode sudden onset (while lifting)
- Recurrent episodes
- Better lying flat
What are drug treatments for low back pain?
- Paracetamol
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Nerve modulators
- Tricyclic anti-depressants (amitriptyline)
What is sciatica?
Pain from back»_space; leg.
- NB. must go below knee
- involves sciatic nerve (L4»_space; S3)
What are common signs of sciatica? (2)
Foot droop
Loss of ankle jerk
What is a classic history for inflammatory back pain?
- Usually FH
- Nocturnal pain with early morning stiffness
- Better with exercise
What is known as the ‘silent’ disease?
Osteoporosis.
What is osteomalacia?
Softening of bone due to lack of vitamin D/calcium.
-diet & sunlight
