Symptoms Observed in Common/Uncommon Dysfunctions

Question 1

degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis symptoms

Answer 1

• pain and stiffness upon rising
• pain eases through the morning (4-5 hours)
• pain increases w/ repetitive bending activities
• constant awareness of discomfort w/ episodes of exacerbation
• describes pain as more soreness and nagging

Question 2

facet joint dysfunction

Answer 2

• stiff upon rising; pain eases within an hour
• loss of motion accompanied by pain
• patient will describe pain as sharp w/ certain movements
• movement in pain-free range usually reduces symptoms
• stationary positions increase symptoms

Question 3

discal, w/ nerve root compromise

Answer 3

• no pain in reclined or semireclined position
• pain increases w/ increasing weight-bearing activities
  -describes pain as shooting, burning, or stabbing
• pt may describe altered strength or ability to perform ADLs

Question 4

spinal stenosis

Answer 4

• pain is related to position
• flexed positions decrease pain, and extended positions increase pain
• describes symptoms as a numbness, tightness, or cramping
• walking for any distance brings on symptoms
• pain may persist for hours after assuming a resting position

Question 5

vascular alaudication

Answer 5

• pain is consistent in all spinal positions
• pain is brought on by physical exertion
• pain is relieved promptly w/ rest (1-5 minutes)
• pain is described as a numbness
• pt usually has decreased or absent pulses

Question 6

neoplastic disease

Answer 6

• pt describes pain as gnawing, intense or penetrating
• pain is not resolved by changes in position, time of day, or activity level
• pain will wake the patient