Nerve Compression: What is it? As the pairs of nerve roots leave the cervical spine (neck), they can become subject to injury either as a result of physical restriction or chemical irritation. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to a prolapsed disc and sometimes bony growths from degenerative joints, known as osteophytes, which may… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Andrew
Spondylolisthesis
SPONDYLOLISTHESIS The term Spondylolisthesis describes the forward (anterolisthesis) or backward (posterolisthesis) slippage of one vertebrae in relation to the vertebrae below. There are many subtypes of Spondylolisthesis, however, the most common types are isthmic and degenerative.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Sprain
SACROILIAC SPRAIN There are two sacroiliac (SI) joints located at the back of the pelvis. These strong, stable synovial joints are formed between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis. The SI joints are covered by two different kinds of cartilage: the sacral surface has thick hyaline cartilage, and the ilial surface has thinner… Read more »
Piriformis Syndrome
PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME The piriformis muscle is located in the gluteal/buttock region at the back of the pelvis. Anatomically, this muscle originates from the front of the sacrum and inserts onto the hip. Its main actions are to rotate the hip outwards (laterally) when the hip is bent to less than ninety degrees and to rotate… Read more »
Lumbar Facet Joint Sprain
LUMBAR FACET SPRAIN The lumbar spine (low back) consists of 5 separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as L1 to C5. Two facet, or zygaopophyseal, joints are located at the back of each vertebra and are the bony links between the vertebra above and below by means of a superior… Read more »
Sciatica / Trapped Nerve
SCIATICA / TRAPPED NERVES This is a term used to describe irritated or compressed nerves. This commonly occurs at the nerve root (the part of the nerve which comes out of the spine). The term trapped nerve suggests that the nerve is being physically restricted and possibly compressed. In the vast majority of cases, this… Read more »
Herniated/Slipped Disc Explained: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Slipped disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc… these are all common terms used to define types of injury to the discs which sit between the vertebrae bodies (bones) of the spine. Commonly described as the “cushions” or “shock absorbers” of the spine, these circular pads of cartilage are composed of tough, fibrous tissue on the outside (annulus fibrosis) and a… Read more »
Cervical Disc
NECK PAIN RELATING TO HERNIATED DISC, PROLAPSED DISC, SLIPPED DISC Slipped disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc… these are all common terms used to define types of injury to the discs which sit between the vertebrae bodies (bones) of the spine. Commonly described as the “cushions” or “shock absorbers” of the spine, these circular pads of cartilage are composed… Read more »
Nerve Compression
NERVE COMPRESSION / IRRITATION IN THE NECK As the pairs of nerve roots leave the cervical spine (neck), they can become subjected to injury either as a result of physically restriction or chemically irritation. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to a prolapsed disc and sometimes bony growths from degenerative joints, known as osteophytes,… Read more »
Whiplash Associated Disorders
WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDERS Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head backwards and forwards or sideways are referred to as “whiplash”. This is commonly associated with road traffic accidents, especially rear impact collisions [1,2], but can also occur in sporting injuries such as rugby and boxing. So what exactly happens to… Read more »
Intercostal Muscle Strain: What It Is, Symptoms & Treatments
Intercostal Muscle Strain: What is it? The thoracic spine consists of twelve vertebrae which each connect to a pair of ribs. The upper seven ribs are connected directly to the chest bone/sternum and are termed true ribs, whereas the lower five ribs do not attach directly to the sternum and are defined as false ribs…. Read more »
Compression Fracture
COMPRESSION FRACTURES Compression fractures are common fractures found in both the thoracic and lumbar spine and result from trauma involving a combination of compression and flexion. In the elderly, osteoporosis is a frequent contributing factor to the development of these wedge-shaped fractures – and these so called “grandma fractures” can also occur spontaneously during everyday… Read more »
Upper Cross Syndrome
UPPER CROSS SYNDROME Upper Cross Syndrome describes a characteristic pattern of muscle imbalances which frequently relates to some office-based sitting postures. As a consequence of these imbalances, patients may actually describe a range of symptoms such as mid back aching and stiffness, neck pain and restricted range of motion and headaches. The characteristic pattern of… Read more »
Mid Back Pain Information
To learn more about specific mid back conditions click on the links below: TOS Cervical Disc Nerve Compression Whiplash Associated Disorders Intercostal Muscle Strain Compression Fracture Upper Cross Syndrome Thoracic Disc Prolapse/Herniation Scoliosis Thoracic Facet Sprain Cervical Facet Sprain (The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide… Read more »
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME (TOS) Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of conditions characterised by compression or irritation of the brachial plexus and blood vessels (subclavian artery and vein) as they travel from the neck into the upper limb. The passage of this neurovascular bundle can be compromised by any soft tissue or bony enlargement which… Read more »
Thoracic Disc Prolapse/Herniation
MID BACK PAIN RELATING TO HERNIATED, PROLAPSED, SLIPPED DISC The thoracic spine is located between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (low back). It consists of 12 separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as T1 to T12. The mobility in this region is restricted because of the presence… Read more »
Scoliosis
SCOLIOSIS When looking at the adult spine from the side, it is apparent that the spine is not straight. Instead, the spine depicts a gentle “S-shaped curve” with the low back and the neck having a gentle inward (concave) curve whilst the mid back curvature is the opposite and exhibits an outward (convex) curve. When… Read more »
Thoracic Facet Sprain
THORACIC FACET SPRAIN The thoracic spine, also known as the mid back, is located between the cervical spine (neck) and the lumbar spine (low back). It consists of 12 separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as T1 to T12. The mobility in this region is restricted because of the presence… Read more »
Cervical Disc Prolapse/Herniation
NECK PAIN RELATING TO HERNIATED DISC, PROLAPSED DISC, SLIPPED DISC Slipped disc, bulging disc, prolapsed disc… these are all common terms used to define types of injury to the discs which sit between the vertebrae bodies (bones) of the spine. Commonly described as the “cushions” or “shock absorbers” of the spine, these circular pads of cartilage are composed… Read more »
Cervical Facet Sprain
CERVICAL FACET SPRAIN The cervical spine (neck) consists of seven separate vertebrae which are named from the top to the bottom as C1 to C7. Two facet or zygapophyseal joints are located at the back of each vertebra and are the bony links between the vertebra above and below by means of a superior articular… Read more »
Whiplash Type Injury
WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDERS Injuries to the neck caused by a sudden movement of the head backwards and forwards or sideways are referred to as “whiplash”. This is commonly associated with road traffic accidents, especially rear impact collisions [1,2], but can also occur in sporting injuries such as rugby and boxing. So what exactly happens to… Read more »
Neck Pain Information
NECK PAIN INFORMATION Common neck pain conditions include: Upper Cross Syndrome Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) Thoracic Disc Prolapse/Herniation Scoliosis Thoracic Facet Sprain Cervical Disc Prolapse/Herniation Cervical Facet Sprain Nerve Compression and Irritation Whiplash Type Injury (The list of conditions given above and subsequent explanations are intended as a general guide and should not be considered… Read more »
Headache Information
HEADACHE INFORMATION Headaches can be classified as either primary or secondary(1). The main differentiation is that secondary headaches are caused by an underlying structural or organic disease. Headaches are a common complaint and, although fairly uncommon, may be a symptom of something more serious going on. If you are at all concerned, you should… Read more »