Lumbar Spine

Question 1

Scoliosis

Answer 1

=visible curve in spine
Can be congenital (bones not forming properly in the womb), neuromuscular (underlying nerve/ muscle condition) or degenerative (wear and tear of spine with age)
Any age but starts 10-15YOA
RISKS- neurological conditions, birth defects, previous surgery on chest wall, injuries/ infections of spine, spinal cord abnormalities
Symptoms- visibly curved spine, spine leaning to one side, uneven scapula, shoulder/ hip sticking out, uneven psis/ Asis, ribs on one side sticking out
Prognosis- can improve with treatment but often treatment won’t be needed. Bracing, manipulation, insoles

Question 2

Idiopathic scoliosis

Answer 2

Unknow cause of scoliosis
Age 3-18 YOA
risks- bad posture, exercise, diet
Same symptoms
Progressive condition without treatment

Question 3

Pyogenic infection

Answer 3

=local inflammation of skin, soft tissue and other bodily parts
Caused by bacteria from ruptured appendix, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, blood infection and trauma to liver due to injury
Any age
Risks- female, having the previously mentioned diseases
Symptoms- chest pain, abdomen pain, clay- coloured stools, dark urine, fever/ chills/ night sweats, loss of appetite, nausea/ vomiting, weight loss
Prognosis- need to drain the abscess and possibly antibiotics, will not get better on its own but will with treatment

Question 4

Tuberculosis

Answer 4

=bacterial infection spread through droplets caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis
Anyone with a weak immune system (very old or very young people)
Risks- people who live in developing countries, prolonged close contact with an infected individual, living in crowded conditions, weak immune system, poor health/ diet due to lifestyle
Symptoms- loss of appetite, high temp, night sweats, extreme fatigue, pulmonary tb, arthritis
Prognosis- effective treatment with good outcome

Question 5

Ankylosing spondylosis

Answer 5

=chronic inflammation of the spine
Caused by gene HLA-B27 that forms reactive arthritis
Teenagers and young adults
Risks- males and genetics
Symptoms- back pain/ stiffness, pain/ swelling in body, extreme fatigue
Prognosis- gradually develops over months/ years. Will ebb and flow
May get better but may get work
Massage, hydrotherapy, NSAIDs

Question 6

Spondylolisthesis

Answer 6

=where one of the vertebra slips into the vertebra below
Caused by spondylosis, degenerative conditions, overgrown bones, congenital (spine doesn’t form properly), isthmic (crack/ fracture weakening bone), degenerative (ageing)
Age depends on what kind
Risks- athletes, genetics, age
Symptoms- muscle spasms in hamstrings, back stiffness, difficulty walking/ standing for long periods, pain for bending, numbness, weakness, tingling in foot
Prognosis- often treated without surgery. With surgery will be recovered in a few months. NSAIDs, steroid injections, therapy to strengthen and stretch muscles

Question 7

Stenosis

Answer 7

=when space inside backbone is too small
Caused by wear and tear due to arthritis (bone spurs, herniated disc, thick ligaments, tumours, spinal injuries)
Older age
Risks- Over 50, scoliosis/ other spinal problems
Symptoms- numbness, tingling/ weakness in hand, foot, leg or arm, problems walking, neck pain, bowel/ bladder problems
Prognosis- will be able to be active but may need to alter daily activity