FACTS & HINTS

High-Yield Facts

Clinical Points

Back pain:Averycommon, usuallyself-limiting complaint, often affecting the lumbar region ("lowback pain"). Radiation to back of the thigh and into the leg (sciatica) or focal neurologysuggests radiculopathy. Disturbance of bladder/bowel function should prompt urgent intervention.

Back strain:Stretching and microscopic tearing of muscle fibres or ligaments, often because of a sport-related injury. The muscles subsequentlygo into spasm as a protective response causing pain and interfering with function. This is a common cause of low back pain. Whiplash:Cervical muscle and/or ligament strain because of forceful hyperextension of the neck. Frequentlycaused byimpacts from the rear in motor vehicle accidents. Maycause herniation of the IVdisc and subsequent radiculopathy.

Mnemonics

Memory Aids

129 / 425