Clinical Back Pain

Question 1

regarding back pain, what should you look for in the physical examination?

Answer 1

how the patient walks

deformity - scoliosis, kyphosis, scars from previous operations

Question 2

regarding back pain, what should you feel in the physical examination?

Answer 2

spinal tenderness
paraverteral muscles
get patient to show

Question 3

regarding back pain, what should you move in the physical examination?

Answer 3

flexion, extension, lateral flexion
SLR
tone, power, reflexes, sensation in legs if indicated

Question 4

what are the investigation in back pain?

Answer 4

usually none
history
ESR/PV/Ca/Alkaline phosphatase
rarely xray
MRI

Question 5

what are the 5 cancers that spread to bone?

Answer 5

bad boys pee through kidneys

breast
bronchus (lung)
prostate
thyroid
kidneys

Question 6

what causes the pain and symptoms in spinal claudication?

Answer 6

nerve compression

Question 7

what is the acronym for the signs on X-ray of someone with osteoarthritis? what does it stand for?

Answer 7

LOSS

Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Sclerosis
Subarticular cysts

Question 8

what are the causes of back pain?

Answer 8

mechanical
tumour
ankylosing spondylitis
infection

Question 9

what are the red flags in back pain?

Answer 9

age <20 or >50
thoracic pain
previous cancer
immunocompromised
feeling unwell
weight loss
neurological symptoms
spinal deformity

Question 10

name a drug used as a muscle relaxant in back pain

Answer 10

diazepam