Spine and back Flashcards
What are the indications for imaging in non specific back pain?
Likely pathology e.g. malignancy
Result of imaging likely to change management
What imaging is used for back pain?
MRI
What is the management of non specific back pain?
Encourage self management
1st line= NSAIDs- co-prescribe PPI if >45
Exercise
What is myelopathy?
Compression of spinal cord
What are common causes of myelopathy?
Spondylosis
Spinal stenosis
Where is the most common area for myelopathy
CErvical spine
What is the presentation of myelopathy?
UMN signs
Back pain > limb pain
What investigation is done fr myelopathy?
MRI
What is radiculopathy?
Compression of nerve root
What is the presentation of radiculopathy?
Limb pain>back pain
Root tension- using muscles supplied exacerbates pain
Root compression- weakness and changes in sensation
What is the management of radiculopathy?
Analgesia and physio
Referral if persistent
What is spinal stenosis?
Central canal of spinal cord narrowed
What can cause spinal stenosis?
Degenerative= most common
Tumour
Disc prolapse
Congenital
What is the presentation of lumbar spinal stenosis?
Back pain Neuropathic pain of legs- better when leaning forward or walking uphill Weakness and numbness Gradual onset Severe= incntinence
What is the investigation of spinal stenosis?
MRI
What is the management of lumbar spinal stenosis?
Laminectomy
What is the most common cervical stenosis?
Degenerative cervcal myelopathy
What are the risk factors for degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Smoking
Occupation
FH
What is the presentation of degenerative cervical myelopathy?
Pain in neck and all 4 limbs Loss of dexterity, weakness, gait imbalance Numbness, paraestoesia Severe= incontinence Hoffman's sign
What is Hoffman’s sign?
Flick 1 finger and other fingers will move in response