Spinal Conditions

Question 1

What is DDD?

Answer 1

Degenerative disc disease

The wearing down of the intervertebral discs

Question 2

Explain more about DDD

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of DDD?

Answer 3

Increased pain when holding certain positions
Spinal instability and difficulty moving
Increased pain with activities that involve bending/ twisting of the spine

Question 4

How can DDD be managed?

Answer 4

Gentle stretches
Cryo/heat therapy
Reduced activity
Anti inflammatory medication

Question 5

What is disc herniation?

Answer 5

When the nucleus pulposus bulges/breaks through the annulus fibrosus of the disc

Question 6

What is the difference between a prolapse and a protrusion in disc herniation?

Answer 6

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

Question 7

What are the signs and symptoms of disc herniation?

Answer 7

Pins and needles

Numbess and weakness in the spine/ affected area

Question 8

How can disc herniation be managed?

Answer 8

Cryo/heat therapy

Referral to chiropractic care

Question 9

What is VBI?

Answer 9

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency

Reduction of blood flow to the hind brain

Question 10

Explain more about VBI

Answer 10

Vertebrobasilar arteries supply blood to cerebellum, medulla, mid brain and occipital cortex
Dizziness is commonly reported when VBI isn’t an issue

Question 11

What are the 5 D’s (signs and symptoms) of VBI?

Answer 11

Diplopia (double vision)
Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
Dizziness 
Drop attacks 
Dysarthria (difficulty finding words/speech)

Question 12

What are the 3 N’s (signs and symptoms) of VBI?

Answer 12

Numbness (affecting face/ tongue/ mouth)
Nystagmus (involuntary movement in eyes)
Nausea

Question 13

How can VBI be managed?

Answer 13

Referral to hospital or medical practitioner

Question 14

What is spondylosis?

Answer 14

The general degeneration of the spine, which can occur in joints, discs and spinal bones

Question 15

What is spondylosis also known as?

Answer 15

Arthritis

Question 16

What are the signs and symptoms of spondylosis?

Answer 16

Pain in the spine
Limited motion
Stiffness
Numbness and tingling

Question 17

How can spondylosis be managed?

Answer 17

Cryo/heat therapy
Medication for pain relief
Regular exercise (modified to sit individual)

Question 18

What is spondylolisthesis?

Answer 18

A fracture to the interarticularis pars allowing injuried vertebrae to shift/ slip forward

Question 19

Explain more about spondylolisthesis.

Answer 19

Commonly identified by X-rays
Range from grade 1 (<25%) to grade 5 (complete slip)
Commonly caused after spondylolysis

Question 20

What are the signs and symptoms of spondylolisthesis?

Answer 20

Back stiffness
Radiating pain to buttocks/ thighs, (buttocks may appear heart shaped)
Worse with activity / improves with rest
Difficulty standing and walking

Question 21

How can spondylolisthesis be managed?

Answer 21

Strengthening abdominals and hamstrings to focus on supporting lower back
Referral to medical practitioner

Question 22

What is cauda equina ?

Answer 22

The nerves in the lower back (sacral region) become severely compressed

Question 23

What are the signs and symptoms of cauda equina?

Answer 23

Saddle anaesthesia/ paraesthesia of the genitalia and perineum 
Bladder dysfunction (urinary retention)
Bowel dysfunction (constipation or incomplete evacuation)

Question 24

How can cauda equina be managed?

Answer 24

Immediate referral to a medical practitioner