Lumbar spine pathologies Flashcards
Non specific low back pain- location
Associated with lumbar spine only, not below inferior gluteal folds
What is Non specific low back pain?
Pain, tension, stiffness
Without nerve root involvement
N-S LBP age bracket, gender
20-55
More women- less muscle mass and bone density, lower adaptation to physical exertion
What is spondylosis
Wear and tear of spine
Degeneration of discs and joints
What is Acute spinal nerve compression?
Unilateral leg pain, pain down foot, dermatomal numbness and paraesthesia
What is spinal stenosis?
Compression of nerve roots (narrowing of spinal canal)
What is spondylolisthesis?
Lumbar vertebrae slides forward out of spine
Which compresses nerves in spinal cord
How does spondylolisthesis present?
Nagging backache
Radiates into buttocks and thighs
Often bilateral neuro signs
Foot numbness
Causes of spondylolisthesis
Arthritis, Loss of disc elasticity, sudden trauma, disease or tumour
Spinal stenosis- age
60 and older
Spondylolisthesis- age
20 and older
Spinal stenosis symptoms
Numbness in legs
Change in sensation
Bilateral leg pain
Spinal stenosis aggravating factors
Standing and walking prolonged periods
Acute spinal nerve compression aggravating factors
Worsens in sitting, bending and lifting
Acute spinal nerve compression age
30-50
