Mechanical lower back pain

Question 1

Describe

Answer 1

Back pain as a result of physical wear and tear

Question 2

Clinical presentation

Answer 2

Back pain in lumbosacral

History of bowel/bladder dysfunction suggestive of cauda equina

Question 3

What is cauda equina

Answer 3

Bundle of spinal nerves and spinal nerve rootlets, consisting of the second through fifth lumbar nerve pairs, the first through fifth sacral nerve pairs, and the coccygeal nerve, all of which arise from the lumbar enlargement and the conus medullaris of the spinal cord.

Question 4

Epidemiology

Answer 4

2/3 affected at some point

Question 5

Diagnosis

Answer 5

CT and/or MRI

Question 6

Treatment

Answer 6

NSAIDs
Analgesics
Muscle relaxants

Question 7

Pathophysiology/Aetiology

Answer 7

Nerve root: Nerve root impingement due to herniated discs. Could also be cauda equina syndrome. Causes a sharp, well localised pain, can be associated with paresthesia

MSK pain: myofascial pain syndromes and fibromyalgia

Other: Osteomyelitis, sacroilitis and malignancy