Spinal Conditions Flashcards
What is DDD?
Degenerative disc disease
The wearing down of the intervertebral discs
Explain more about DDD
Caused usually by large forces produced within discs during repetitive sporting activities
Results in decreased disc space height
Common sites are L4/5
The nucleus pulposus dehydrates, annular fibrosus becomes weaker and cartilage becomes thin
What are the signs and symptoms of DDD?
Increased pain when holding certain positions
Spinal instability and difficulty moving
Increased pain with activities that involve bending/ twisting of the spine
How can DDD be managed?
Gentle stretches
Cryo/heat therapy
Reduced activity
Anti inflammatory medication
What is disc herniation?
When the nucleus pulposus bulges/breaks through the annulus fibrosus of the disc
What is the difference between a prolapse and a protrusion in disc herniation?
Prolapse = the leaking gel (nucleus pulposus) breaks through the annulus fibrosus and is loose within the spinal cord/canal Protrusion = small tears of the annulus fibrosus allowing the nucleus pulposus to bulge out
What are the signs and symptoms of disc herniation?
Pins and needles
Numbess and weakness in the spine/ affected area
How can disc herniation be managed?
Cryo/heat therapy
Referral to chiropractic care
What is VBI?
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
Reduction of blood flow to the hind brain
Explain more about VBI
Vertebrobasilar arteries supply blood to cerebellum, medulla, mid brain and occipital cortex
Dizziness is commonly reported when VBI isn’t an issue
What are the 5 D’s (signs and symptoms) of VBI?
Diplopia (double vision) Dysphagia (swallowing problems) Dizziness Drop attacks Dysarthria (difficulty finding words/speech)
What are the 3 N’s (signs and symptoms) of VBI?
Numbness (affecting face/ tongue/ mouth)
Nystagmus (involuntary movement in eyes)
Nausea
How can VBI be managed?
Referral to hospital or medical practitioner
What is spondylosis?
The general degeneration of the spine, which can occur in joints, discs and spinal bones
What is spondylosis also known as?
Arthritis
What are the signs and symptoms of spondylosis?
Pain in the spine
Limited motion
Stiffness
Numbness and tingling
How can spondylosis be managed?
Cryo/heat therapy
Medication for pain relief
Regular exercise (modified to sit individual)
What is spondylolisthesis?
A fracture to the interarticularis pars allowing injuried vertebrae to shift/ slip forward
Explain more about spondylolisthesis.
Commonly identified by X-rays
Range from grade 1 (<25%) to grade 5 (complete slip)
Commonly caused after spondylolysis
What are the signs and symptoms of spondylolisthesis?
Back stiffness
Radiating pain to buttocks/ thighs, (buttocks may appear heart shaped)
Worse with activity / improves with rest
Difficulty standing and walking
How can spondylolisthesis be managed?
Strengthening abdominals and hamstrings to focus on supporting lower back
Referral to medical practitioner
What is cauda equina ?
The nerves in the lower back (sacral region) become severely compressed
What are the signs and symptoms of cauda equina?
Saddle anaesthesia/ paraesthesia of the genitalia and perineum Bladder dysfunction (urinary retention) Bowel dysfunction (constipation or incomplete evacuation)
How can cauda equina be managed?
Immediate referral to a medical practitioner
