Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to an adjacent vertebra. In the x-ray above (the patient is facing to the left) you can see how the top vertebrae appears to be sliding off the front of the vertebrae below. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the most common form of spondylolisthesis. It has a […]
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction is becoming increasingly diagnosed and treated as a contributing factor to low back pain SIJ is the joint formed between the two halves of the pelvis and the sacrum (the triangular-shaped bone at the base of the spine) The SIJ’s function is to distribute load between the lower […]
Nerve Root Irritation
The problem Neck and/or arm pain Numbness/pins and needles in arms/hands Weakness in arms These problems are caused by the nerve being compressed as it leaves the spine Interesting facts Cervical nerve root irritation can also be called cervical radiculopathy The cause of the problem is more likely to be from the disc in the […]
Lumbar Spine and Back Care
Lumbar Spine Structure The lumbar spine is the third major region of the spine. It is comprised of 5 vertebrae (L1 through L5), discs between each vertebra, and 5 pairs of spinal nerves. The natural curvature of the lumbar spine is designed to support the weight of the trunk and disperse the ground reaction forces […]
Rotator Cuff Tear
The problem A tear in the stabilising muscle(s) around the shoulder joint May be traumatic (usually younger people) or degenerative (usually older) Classified as full or partial thickness tears. This is only diagnosed by ultrasound or MRI investigations Interesting facts In a 2005 cadaveric study of 306 bodies 51% had a cuff tear. Many rotator cuff […]
Frozen Shoulder
The problem: The ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder is contained within a connective tissue capsule made up of the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. For reasons that have not yet been clearly defined, this capsule can sometimes become inflamed and tighten, ultimately restricting range of movement in the shoulder This condition is commonly known […]