Spinal Disorders

Ankylosing Spondylitis

MC in young adult males

Chronic progressive back stiffness

+HLA – B27

Xray shows **BAMBOO SPINE**

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Back pain that involves CORD COMPRESSION

**Saddle Anesthesia**

**Bowel / Bladder Incontinence**

**Loss of anal spincter tone**

Tx: Steroids, MRI, STAT Neurosurgery consult

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of spinal canal compressing associated nerve root

Dermatomes

Memorize for herniated disc questions!!!

Valsava makes symptoms worse!!

“When I strain to go to the bathroom my feet go numb”

Scoliosis

Curvature of the spine

Can be bad enough resulting in a restrictive lung disease

Kyphosis

**Hunchback**

Seen in the elderly with osteopenic spines

 

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Brachial Plexus compression (a pressure is placed on neurovascular bundle)

+Adson test

Tx: PT, rest —> refractory = 1st rib removal

Torticollis

Severe and acute neck pain

Often with rotational deformity in the C-spine

Associated with muscle spasms

HISTORY IS KEY

**X-ray must be done to rule out cervical subluxation**

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE NOW

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