spine stuff Flashcards
slow onset stiffness in neck which can radiate to shoulder and occiput
cervical spondolysis
cervical spndolysis treatment
physio and analgesia
if symptoms persist then decompression surgery
cervical disc prolapse symptoms
neck pain and potential nerve root compression
shooting neuralgic pain down dermatomal distribution as well as weakness and loss of reflexes
Myelopathy with upper motor neurone symptoms and signs is what
a large central prolapse which compresses the cord
treatment of cervical disc prolapse
conservative or disscetomy
cervical spine instability can be due to what
RA or downs syndrome
what is the treatment of cervical spine instability
less severe - collar
more severe - stabilisation/fixation
how does a disc tear occur
lifting a heavy object
symptoms of an acute disc tear
severe pain - classically on coughing
treatment of acute disc tears
analgesia and physio
symptoms eventually remove over 2-3 months
what can a disc tear lead to
sciatica - gelatinous pulps can herniate though tear and impinge on exiting nerve roots
pain and altered sensation in dermatomal distribution and reduced power in myotomal distribution
how does bony nerve root entrapment occur
OA of facet joints can result in osteophytes impinging on exiting nerve roots resulting in nerve root pain and sciatica
treatment of bony nerve root entrapment
surgical decompression with trimming of impinging osteophytes
symptoms of spinal stenosis
distant inconstant
pain burning not cramping
pain less now walking uphill
pedal pulses present
treatment of spinal stenosis
conservative - wight loss, physio
If conservative fails and MRI evidence of spinal stenosis then decompression surgery can be done to alleviate symptoms
