Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Sacroiliac joint dysfunction may present as pain along the superior aspect of the buttock adjacent to the L5 vertebrae. Pain is reproduced with lumbar flexion and extension. Atrophy of the lumbar extensors muscles or disuse often predisposes those to sacroiliac joint instability. Provocative testing on physical exam to confirm sacroiliac joint dysfunction …
What is facet arthritis? Facet-mediated pain is a relatively localized back pain that can be caused by lumbar facet arthritis. Facet-mediated pain without clear arthritic change can also be present. This presentation is marked by pain across the back, with radiation occasionally down the buttock or posterior thighs. Discomfort is reproduced with lumbar extension and …
Vertebral compression fracture Osteoporosis is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures, followed by trauma. The most common levels of compression fractures are at T7-8 and T12-L1. Osteoporosis causes low trauma fractures that can be asymptomatic. On the other hand, acute, fairly severe compression fractures can be painful. This pain is fairly localized. If …
What is Epidural Abscesses Epidural abscess is an uncommon cause of spine pain that, if undiagnosed, can result in paralysis and life-threatening complications. Epidural abscess can occur anywhere in the spine and intracranially. It can occur spontaneously via hematogenous seeding, most frequently as a result of urinary tract infections that spread to the spinal epidural …
common sources of spinal infection Vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis typically occurs from transmission of infection from an outside focus. Infection can also spread through adjacent tissue, from a spinal surgery, injections, direct invasive diagnostic procedures, or spread through the blood stream. Infection of the disc and bony vertebrae are, for the most part, treated similarly. …
lumbar radiculopathy Lumbar radiculopathy is caused by direct injury to the nerve roots in the lumbar spine, most often when these nerves exit the neural foramina. Estimated lifetime prevalence is approximately 3% to 5% of adults, with equal amounts among men and women. The most common sources of this injury are due to disc herniation …
What is a lumbar strain? Lumbar strain is the most common cause of lower back pain. Over 85% of patients will have nonspecific low back pain. Statistics suggest that 80% to 90% of all back pain improves. A majority of these cases fall under this type of injury. Strains can be caused by overuse, misuse, …