Lumbar Disc Pathology Objectives and Types of Injuries

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What is the primary function of the lumbar spine?

Supporting the lower extremities

Controlling movement in the frontal plane

Protecting the spinal cord

Transmitting force of the upper body to the lower extremities (correct)

How many pairs of facet joints are present in the lumbar spine?

3 pairs

6 pairs

4 pairs

5 pairs (correct)

What is the primary function of the ligamentum flavum in the spine?

Restricting flexion (correct)

Controlling extension

Assisting in lateral flexion

Restricting rotation

In which position is the lumbar spine midway between flexion and extension?

Open pack position Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the iliolumbar ligament in the pelvis?

Stabilizing L5 with the ilium Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the facet joint provides restriction from anterior shear in the lumbar spine?

Superior articulating process Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of mechanical low back pain?

Pain is relieved by lying down Signup and view all the answers

Which condition involves pain from nerve injury and may result from a herniated disc impinging on a nerve root?

Neurogenic pain Signup and view all the answers

What does centralization of pain refer to in the context of low back pain?

Retreat of pain towards the midline of the spine Signup and view all the answers

In non-mechanical low back pain, which area is the pain dominant?

Legs Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of central stenosis as mentioned in the text?

Extending hurts like an old person pushing a grocery cart Signup and view all the answers

What does neurogenic intermittent claudication involve?

Numbness and weakness beyond the knee Signup and view all the answers

What movement provides relief in inflammatory leg dominant non-mechanical low back pain?

Extension Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the annulus fibrosis in the lumbar disc?

To distribute load applied to the spine Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the water-binding capacity of the nucleus pulposus with age?

It decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the lumbar disc allows fluid to move between the disc and vertebral body?

Endplate Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common site for nerve root problems in the lumbar region?

L5-S1 Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle group/system actively stabilizes the pelvic joints and assists in load transfer during gait and activities?

Transverse abdominis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ)?

To act as a buffer to decrease forces to the spine and upper body Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of pain associated with nerve root compression?

Degeneration and herniation of intervertebral discs Signup and view all the answers

What type of injury at the sacroiliac joint can result from sudden jarring or lifting and twisting involving the lumbar spine?

Inflammation/trauma or overuse Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic presentation of spondylosis?

Loss of disc height and bone spur growth to the sides of vertebral bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible cause of avulsion fractures of the pelvis?

Overzealous kick/missing of kicking an object Signup and view all the answers