Basics of backache and neckache

Question 1

Is backache usually self limiting?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

What does the spine consist of?

Answer 2

Bones (vertebrae), muscles, ligaments and nervous tissue (nerves and spinal cord)

Question 3

Define spondylitides

Answer 3

Non-nervous tissue

Question 4

Define spondylitis

Answer 4

Abnormalities in the non-nervous tissues

Question 5

Structural abnormalities can occur locally in the spondylitides. What is the most common symptom?

Answer 5

nerve root compression

Question 6

Structural abnormalities can occur locally in the spondylitides. What is an uncommon symptom?

Answer 6

Spinal cord compression

Question 7

Is it common to get abnormalities in the nervous tissue?

Answer 7

No, it is rare

Question 8

Where are the 3 places pain can occur within terms of the spine?

Answer 8

Locally
Referred to another body part
Along the length of the nerve arising from an affected nerve root

Question 9

Is it easy to pinpoint backache?

Answer 9

Not normally. Generally patients complain of pain across a whole area e.g. lumbar

Question 10

Where does referred pain generally occur in back ache?

Answer 10

Buttock, thigh and leg - rarely below the midcalf