Back Pain Epidemiology and Types Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common cause of back pain?

Discogenic back pain

Lumbar disc herniation

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Muscle strain (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a red flag symptom of back pain?

Unintentional weight loss

Numbness in the groin (correct)

Long-term steroid use

Fever and chills

What are the risk factors associated with back pain?

Healthy diet and low stress levels

Male gender and regular exercise

Obesity and smoking (correct)

Lack of job dissatisfaction

Which type of pain is characterized by pain from the T spine to the pelvis?

Axial pain Signup and view all the answers

What is a red flag symptom associated with a history of cancer?

Loss of bowel/bladder control Signup and view all the answers

Which condition presents with symptoms such as cauda equina and bowel/bladder issues?

Conus medullaris syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Waddell signs in patients with psychogenic pain?

Non-dermatomal regional symptoms Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging modality is typically recommended for non-responsive low back pain lasting more than 1 month?

MRI Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people without symptoms may have abnormal findings on MRI related to disc prolapse?

20% to 40% Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is a common differential diagnosis for neck and arm pain along with cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy?

Ankylosing spondylitis Signup and view all the answers

What activity should be avoided in the initial stage of muscle strain rehabilitation to prevent exacerbation of symptoms?

Starting weightlifting routines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a myofascial trigger point?

It is a sensitive spot that triggers pain spontaneously. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential cause of myofascial pain?

Symmetric triggers Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common form of myofascial pain treatment mentioned in the text?

Massage and heat therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by narrowing of the bony canals in the spine?

Stenosis Signup and view all the answers

In what situations does myofascial pain typically present as chronic?

If it lasts for more than 3 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is NOT listed as a common trigger for muscle strain leading to lower back pain?

'Bulging' activities Signup and view all the answers

What can contribute to the formation of bone spurs in the context of disc tears?

Enlargement of facet joints Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as part of the prevention measures for sciatica?

Regular job duties initially Signup and view all the answers

What is a common treatment approach for sciatica as outlined in the text?

Steroid injection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for preventing sciatica based on the text?

Smoking Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals are symptom-free within 1 to 2 weeks according to the text?

90% Signup and view all the answers

In cases where regular duties cannot be performed due to sciatica, what type of duty may be prescribed for a limited time?

(Light or restricted) duty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Causes of Back Pain

The most common cause of back pain is muscle or ligament strain.
Red flag symptoms of back pain include severe pain, history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or new bowel/bladder issues. A symptom that is NOT a red flag is localized low back pain without accompanying serious features.

Risk Factors and Pain Characteristics

Risk factors for back pain include age, weight, lack of exercise, job-related stresses, and pre-existing conditions.
Pain from the thoracic spine to the pelvis is characterized as thoracolumbar pain.

Cancer and Cauda Equina Syndrome

A significant red flag symptom associated with cancer history could be unexplained weight loss or a new onset of back pain.
Cauda equina syndrome presents symptoms like bowel or bladder dysfunction.

Psychogenic Pain and Imaging

Waddell signs, indicative of psychogenic pain, may include inconsistency in pain behavior or non-anatomical patterns of pain response.
For non-responsive low back pain lasting longer than one month, MRI is typically recommended.

MRI Findings and Differential Diagnoses

Approximately 20-30% of individuals without symptoms may show abnormal findings on MRI, such as disc prolapse.
Common differential diagnoses for neck and arm pain include cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy.

Muscle Strain Rehabilitation

In the initial stage of muscle strain rehabilitation, activities that may exacerbate symptoms, such as heavy lifting or high-impact exercises, should be avoided.

Myofascial Pain and Treatment

Myofascial trigger points are characterized by localized muscle tenderness and a taut band within the muscle.
A common treatment for myofascial pain is myofascial release therapy.

Spinal Conditions and Chronic Pain

Conditions characterized by narrowing of the bony canals in the spine include spinal stenosis.
Myofascial pain typically presents as chronic in the context of ongoing stress or repetitive trauma.

Muscle Strain Triggers and Bone Spurs

Common triggers for muscle strain leading to lower back pain do not typically include gardening or routine household chores.
Bone spurs may form in response to chronic disc tears and age-related degeneration.

Sciatica Prevention and Treatment

Prevention measures for sciatica may include regular exercise, proper lifting techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight; a non-mentioned measure could be specialized footwear.
A common treatment approach for sciatica involves physical therapy and possibly anti-inflammatory medications.

Recovery and Duty Assignments

Approximately 90% of individuals with sciatica are symptom-free within 1 to 2 weeks.
If regular duties cannot be performed due to sciatica, modified duty or light-duty assignments may be prescribed temporarily.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the epidemiology and types of back pain, including mechanical vs nonMechanical causes, muscle strain, degenerative disorders, and risk factors. Learn about red flag symptoms and signs indicating serious underlying issues.