WEEK 7 Spinal Conditions Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is spinal stenosis?
A condition that may be a normal finding on scans, potentially causing spinal pain and/or nerve symptoms.
What can central cord compression in the cervical spine cause?
Myelopathy.
What can central cord compression at the bottom of the lumbar spine cause?
Cauda equina syndrome.
How do symptoms of spinal stenosis typically change with movement?
Improved with flexion activities and worsened with extension.
What management options are available for spinal stenosis?
Surgery may be indicated in some cases, but most do well with conservative management.
What does conservative management of spinal stenosis include?
- Advice and education
- Pain management strategies
- Exercise (stretching, strengthening)
- Lifestyle changes
What is spondylosis?
A generic term for osteoarthritic changes within the spine that can affect various spinal structures.
What are the risk factors for spondylosis?
- Normal age-related changes
- Genetics
- Trauma
- Degeneration
What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)?
A generic term for neck pain following sudden force acceleration/deceleration, commonly from road traffic accidents.
What are potential yellow flags in WAD?
Particularly relevant if under an insurance claim.
What causes spinal stenosis?
- Osteophytes
- Disc herniation
- Thickening of ligaments
- Tumours
What is the typical presentation of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)?
Slow or gradual onset of back pain and stiffness, early-morning stiffness, and pain reducing during the day.
What are red flags in spinal pain?
- Myelopathy
- Cervical arterial dysfunction
- Malignancy
- Systemic inflammatory disorders
- Infections
- Fractures
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Osteoporosis
What percentage of spinal pain is classified as non-specific?
90%.
What is the main symptom of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Back pain often starting in the sacroiliac joint.
What is spondylolisthesis?
Anterior translation of the superior vertebra relative to the inferior vertebra.
What are the grades of spondylolisthesis?
- Grade I: 0-25%
- Grade II: 26-50%
- Grade III: 51-75%
- Grade IV: 76-100%
- Grade V: >100% (spondyloptosis)
What is the management for high-grade spondylolisthesis?
Surgery may be indicated for severe nerve compression; otherwise, conservative management is preferred.
What is the NICE guideline recommendation regarding imaging for spinal pain?
Most patients with spinal pain do not need imaging such as X-ray or MRI.
What is scoliosis?
An S-shaped curve in the spine that may or may not cause pain.
What are the risk factors for scoliosis?
- Genetics
- Cannot be prevented
- Not linked to bad posture, exercise, or diet
What is the management for scoliosis?
Conservative management is most common; surgery (spinal fusion) indicated in a small number of cases.
What is the primary aim of physiotherapy in scoliosis management?
To maintain range of motion and manage symptoms rather than correct the curve.
What is the typical age range for the onset of Ankylosing Spondylitis risk factors?
Late adolescent.
