Thoracic and Lumbar
PATHOLOGIES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE
LUMBAR SPRAIN/STRAIN
Typically a twisting movement or pulling of a muscle or tendon can result in a strain. As well as a single instance of improper lifting or by overstressing the back muscles. A sprain often results from a fall or sudden twist, or a blow to the body that forces a joint out of its normal position which also stretches one or more ligaments beyond the normal ROM that causes injury. Greater Risk Factors Being overweight Excessive curving in the lower back Weak back and abdominal muscles Tight hamstringa Playing sports that consists of pushing and pulling activities Treatment usually consists of RICE and NSAID's
LUMBROSACRAL SPRAIN/STRAIN
A ligament injury in the lumbar or sacral areas which usually occurs when a forceful or rapid movement causes an overstretch and may tear a ligament.
SACROILIAC JOINT DYSFUNCTION
Dysfuntion in the sacroiliac joint is believed to cause low back and leg pain. Caused by abnormal movement of the sacroiliac joints, which can result in various symptoms including pain in the lower back and legs, or inflammation of the joints. Common treatment is stretching and strengthening of hip flexors and hamstrings, NSAIDS, RICE
SCIATICA
This is more so a symptom of an underling medical condition that originates in the lower back region. Symptoms Numbness Tingling Weakness Irritation to the sciatic nerve can cause these symptoms to travel from the lower back down the back of the leg through. Common treatment for sciatica is RICE, NSAIDS, stretching if tight piriformis. Surgery may be needed if condition worsens or stays the same for a long period of time.
SPONDYLOLYSIS
This is a condition where there is a defect in a portion of the spine called pars interarticularis. The defect can be unilateral or bilateral, most commonly found at the L5-S1. The symptom that is often related to this condition is pain in the lower back and leg which limits an individual inactivities that are at a high intensity/demanding level. Treatment for spondlolysis is typically heat/ice to reduce and localize pain followed by strengthening exercises for the lower torso. Along to reduce pain an individual may use NSAIDS.
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS
A condition where one vertebra slides forward over the vertebra below it. This condition is common cause of lower back and leg pain in younger adults of ages 30 to 50. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is common cause of pain in older adults of ages 50 and up. Treatment for spondylolisthesis is typically heat/ice to reduce and localize pain followed by strengthening exercises for the lower torso. Along to reduce pain an individual may useNSAIDS.
SPONDYLITIS
is an inflammation of the vertebra. It is a form of spondylopathy. In many cases spondylitis involves one or morevertebral joints as well, which itself is called spondylarthritis. Signs and Symptoms Pain in ligaments and tendons Bony fusion Pain and stiffness. Constant pain and stiffness in the low back, buttocks, and hips that continues for an extended period of time. Very similar treatment as spondylolisthesis.
SPINA BIFIDA OCCULTA
This is a group of conditions affecting the spinal column. The forms of Occulta that cause the most problems are: Lipomyelomeningocele and Lipomeningocele like a tethered spinal cord, but it is attached to a benign fatty tumor Thickend filum terminale fatty lump at the inside end of the spinal cord Diastematomyelia and diplomyelia spinal cord is split in two due to a piece of bone or cartilage Dermal sinus tract spinal canal and the skin of the back connected at what appear to be a band of tissue. Typical treartment for spina bifid is surgery followed by a use of a brace and then strengthening exercises for the lower back muscles
TRANSVERSE SPINOUS PROCESS FRACTURE
This is a break of the part of bone that extends out from the side of the main body of the vertebrea. Typical causes of this injury are; falls, motorvehicle accidents, and impact to the back from a hit in sports. Signs and Symptoms Swelling and bruising over the injured area Limited ability to move Deformity of the back bones
STENOSIS
Is the narrowing of the spaces in the spine that causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Common causes are: Aging Arthritis Heredity Instability of the spine Trauma Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis Pain and difficulty walking Numbness, tingling, hot or cold feeling in the legs Clumsines The three most common non-surgical treatments are; Exercise, Activity modification and epidural injections.
STEP DEFORMITY
This is generally found with all spondys
LORDOSIS
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Also known as swayback, is a condition where the lumbar spine has an excessiv lordodic curvature. Common causes are: poor posture, osteoporosis, Discitis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis and achondroplasia. Treament that can help with this condition are; medications to help reduce pain and physical therapy. If condition worsens or stays the same for a long period of time surgery may be the next step of treatment.
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