Back Pain Essentials Of Back Pain 5

Question 1

Pain radiating from the buttock down the back of the leg to the foot, following a dermatomal pattern, is best described by which term?

Accepted Answer

Radiculopathy

Answer

Radiculopathy is dermatomal pain from nerve root compression or irritation, commonly called sciatica when involving the sciatic distribution.

Question 2

A patient's MRI shows a disc bulge, but they have no pain or neurologic symptoms. What is the best interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Disc bulges are common incidental findings in asymptomatic adults

Answer

Disc bulges appear in a large proportion of pain-free adults, so imaging findings must be correlated with symptoms.

Question 3

Which duration of symptoms defines chronic low back pain?

Accepted Answer

More than 12 weeks

Answer

Low back pain persisting beyond 12 weeks is classified as chronic.

Question 4

A 30-year-old gymnast has low back pain worsened by spinal extension, and imaging reveals a defect in the pars interarticularis. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Spondylolysis

Answer

Spondylolysis is a stress defect of the pars interarticularis, common in athletes who perform repetitive hyperextension.

Question 5

Which lifestyle factor is most consistently linked to an increased risk of developing low back pain?

Accepted Answer

Cigarette smoking

Answer

Smoking impairs disc nutrition and is consistently associated with higher rates of low back pain.

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Back Pain Essentials Of Back Pain 5