Background Approach to Low Back Pain TypeTermFeaturesClassificationAcuteSymptoms for < 4 weeks SubacuteSymptoms > 4 weeks to 12 weeks ChronicSymptoms > 12 weeksTerminologySpondylosis Arthritis of the spineRadiographs usually show disc space narrowing and facet joint arthritis AnterolisthesisAnterior displacement of vertebral body relative to the one below. Spondylolisthesis Anterolisthesis due to spondylolysis or any other cause RetrolisthesisPosterior displacement of a vertebral body relative to the one below Spondylolysis Fracture in pars interarticularis at junction of vertebral body and posterior elements protecting the nervesSome patients have crack at L5 vertebrae Spinal stenosis Local, segmental, or generalized narrowing of vertebral canal by bone or soft tissue elementsUsually due to bony hypertrophic changes in facet joints or thickened ligamentum flavum Radiculopathy Impairment of nerve root leading to radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness corresponding to a specific nerve root Sciatica Pain, numbness, tingling in sciatic nerve distributionRadiation of symptoms down posterior or lateral leg, usually to the foot or ankle. Cauda equina syndromeLoss of bowel and bladder controlNumbness in groin and saddle area of perineumAssociated with weakness of lower extremities (Next Lesson) Differential diagnosis of low back pain Back to Approach to Low Back Pain No Comments Comments are closed.
No Comments