Back Pain Flashcards
what are the different types of back pain
simple backache, nerve root pain, serious spinal pathology
what age does simple backache usually present in
20-55 years old
what is the most common type of back pain
simple bacache
what regions is simple backache
lumbosacral region, buttocks and thigh
what type of pain is simple backache
mechanical
where in the body is nerve root pain in the back also felt
get unilateral leg pain which is worse than the back pain, also radiates to feet/toes
what other sensations other than pain are felt alongside nerve root pain
numbness and parasthesia
what changes are seen in nerve root pain
motor, sensory or reflex changes are seen in the nerve root affected
give an example of serious spinal pathology that is an emergency
cauda equina syndrome
what age is serious spinal pathology most common
<20 and >50 years old
describe what kind of pain serious spinal pathology causes
constant, progressive non-mechanical pain
sometimes severe night pain
give some causes of serious spinal pathology
thoracic pain, cancer, DMARDS, systemic steroids, inflammation
what are some of the clinical features are seen with cauda equina syndrome (4)
difficulty urinating, loss of anal sphincter tone or faecal incontinence, widespread or progressive motor weakness in legs or gait disturbance, saddle anaesthesia
describe the onset of pain in inflammatory disorders
gradual onset
what are some the clinical features seen in inflammatory disorders in the back (5)
marked morning stiffness, persisting limitation of spinal movement in all directions, peripheral joint involvement, may have skin rashes, colitis, urethral discharge
