MSK: Spinal Condition

Question 1

How conditions seen by physio are due to a specific pathology or structure causing pain?

Answer 1

5 - 10%

Question 2

Define Ankylosing spondylitis

Answer 2

It is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine

Question 3

What is the presentation of ankylosing Spondylitis

Answer 3

• slow or gradual onset of back pain & stiffness over weeks and months rather than hours or days
• early morning stiffness & pain that reduces during the day and with exercise (this is different to normal mechanical back pain)
• Persistent pain for more than 3 months (normal back pain improves within 6-8weeks)
• pain increases at rest
• weightloss, fatigue, night sweat

Question 4

Define Spinal Stenosis

Answer 4

Canal narrowing. can occur in the vertebral foramen or the intervertebral foraminal(where the nerve root exits).

Question 5

what are the causes of spinal stenosis?

Answer 5

quite often normal age related changes but can also be caused by osteophytes, disc herniation, thickening ligaments, tumours

Question 6

Define Spondylosis

Answer 6

A generic term used to define osteoarthritic changes within the spine. these are normal age related changes that can affect the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments.

Can go on to cause stenosis

Question 7

define spondylolithesis

Answer 7

it is the anterior translation of the superior vertebrae relative to the inferior vertebrae there are 5 grades classified by how much translation there is.

Question 8

define whip lash associated disorder

Answer 8

generic term for neck pain following sudden force with acceleration to deceleration e.g RTA