Spinal Conditions

Question 1

What is degenerative joint disease?

Answer 1

Part of the normal aging process due to weight bearing properties of facets and intervertebral joints

Results in bone hypertrophy, capsular fibrosis, hypermobility or hypomobility of joint, and proliferation of synovium

Question 2

In patients with facet entrapment, ____ is more comfortable for the patient and _____ increases pain.

Answer 2

Flexion is more comfortable

Extension increases pain

Question 3

List 8 symptoms that may be associated with whiplash (acceleration/deceleration injuries).

Answer 3

Headaches
Neck pain
Limited flexibility
Reversal of lower cervical lordosis 
Vertigo
Changes in vision and hearing 
Nausea
Emotional lability

Question 4

What MUST be ruled out in a patient who has experience whiplash?

Answer 4

CERVICAL FRACTURE

Question 5

What position should the cervical spine be placed in during cervical traction?

Answer 5

15 degrees of cervical flexion to provide optimum intervertebral foraminal opening.

Question 6

List the cluster of special tests that test for SI joint dysfunction.

Answer 6

SI gapping
SI compression test
Gaenslen's test
Sacral thrust 
Thigh thrust

Question 7

How many test in the SIJ cluster must be positive to indicate SI joint dysfunction?

Answer 7

2 of the 4 tests

3 of the 5 tests (if Ganslen’s is included)

Question 8

What conditions can masquerade as musculoskeletal back pain?

Answer 8

Bone tumors
Visceral tumors (pancreatic/esophageal cancer)
GI conditions (acute pancreatitis/cholecystitis)
Cardiovascular/pulmonary conditions
Urological and gynecological conditions (kidney, bladder, ovary and uterus disorders refer pain to the back)