Signs and Symptoms

Question 1

3 main types of back pain

Answer 1

mechanical, nerve root, serious spinal pathology

Question 2

how to diagnose mechanical back pain?

Answer 2

usually dx of exclusion

Question 3

what are some signs of nerve root pain?

Answer 3

unilateral leg pain, pain may radiate to foot/toes, numbness, paraesthesia, symmetrical distribution

Question 4

what would fall under the bracket of serious spinal pathology?

Answer 4

trauma- cauda equina, tumours, TB

Question 5

what tumours commonly spread to bone?

Answer 5

BBPTK

breast, bronchus, prostate, thyroid, kidneys

Question 6

referred back pain could be from…

Answer 6

peptic ulcer, gallstones, pancreas, renal, ovarian, colonic, thoracic pain, AAA

Question 7

back pain RED FLAGS?

Answer 7

inc constant non-mechanical pain
night pain
thoracic pain 
systemic signs-wt loss, neurological changes
age (<20, >50)
saddle anaesthesia

Question 8

back pain YELLOW FLAGS- inflammation related?

Answer 8

gradual onset
morning stiffness
persistent limitation of spinal movement
peripheral jt involvement
systemic- rashes, uveitis, urethral discharge

Question 9

what are the 3 causes of a red, inflamed jt?

Answer 9

GOUT, pseudo gout, septic arthritis

Question 10

RED FLAGS for leg pain in kids?

Answer 10

asymmetry, hx of shortness, good localisation of pain, pain worsening, failure to thrive

Question 11

Knee pain RED FLAGS?

Answer 11

haemoarthorsis, knee locking, unprecedented pain with regards to exam findings/ hx

Question 12

what is the pneumonic to consider when someone presents with any condition?

Answer 12

VINDICATE 
Vasculitis 
Infection 
Neoplastic 
Degenerative 
Iatrogenic
Congenital
Autoimmune
Traumatic
Endocrine