Ortho unit 2 Flashcards
Spondylitides
non nervous tissue of spine
spondylitis
abnormalities in the spondylitides
pain in the spine
locally, referred, along the length of a nerve arising from an affected nerve root
local back pain
tends to be related to a whole region
referred pain
back pain may be referred to the buttock, thigh and leg, descending as far as mid calf but rarely below this
Nerve root pain
diseases affecting the facet joints and the discs may cause direct pressure on, or inflammatory reactions and swelling of, the nerve roots
common nerve root pain
foramina of lower lumbar region- sciatica-
what is sciatica characterised by
pain in the leg, mainly down the back of the leg but almost always into the foot- may be exacerbated by coughing
localising signs
tingling, loss of sensation and muscle weakness
back sprains
good loading- reduce distance between back and the weight- less leverage and reduced spinal loading
how can back sprains be distinguished from back pain of neurological cause
absence of signs of nerve compression
management of back sprain
brief period of rest followed by gradual return to normal activities. Anti inflammatory drugs can relieve symptoms but analgesia is usually sufficient
mechanical backache
recurrent back sprains
possible causes of mechanical backache
spondylosis- degeneration of IV disc leading to increased loading of the facet joints, which then develop secondary arthritis
primary OA- facet joints are likely to be as prone to primary OA as any other synovial joint
clinical presentation of mechanical backache
tends to recur, no known cure, rest, physic and medication will help sufferer through a bad episode. Osteopaths and chiropractors can provide some easing of the condition by manipulation